HOK architects, Houston leaders and Astros officials are
expected to unveil site plans and preliminary designs for a
proposed $265M retractable-roof ballpark to be built downtown,
according to John Williams of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Among
features of the design: The ballpark would be adjacent to
Crawford Avenue, much like Chicago's Wrigley Field is to Waveland
Avenue; it would present a view of the downtown skyline, like
Jacobs Field offers fans of Cleveland; Union Station would be
integral to the ballpark, like the warehouse is to the Orioles'
Camden Yards; and, like "no other" ballpark, spectators can watch
games from a nearby sidewalk without paying. The proposed name
is The Ballpark at Union Station, which could change if a company
buys naming rights from Owner Drayton McLane Jr. The plans also
call for the field to be situated along a north-south line so
fans along the first-base line will have a good view of the
skyline. The architects are also "considering" a glass wall on
the east side so fans could have a view when the roof is closed.
The wall would move when the dome is open. HOK and Astros
officials are still deciding whether they want the roof to open
in five or 30 minutes, as cost could be a deciding factor
(HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 10/11).
