HOUSTON -- The fate of the "eighth wonder of the world," the Houston Astrodome, has been up in the air for years. But a deadline is nearing for project in the works -- a luxury hotel, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.

"There are as many ideas on what to do with the Dome as there are people in Harris County. But, at this point, there's only one group that has a right to push a vision," Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said.

The Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation has a vision to turn the sprawling old stadium into a destination hotel.

"I think everybody would like to see some closure to this process. I think it's a complex issue. If this doesn't materialize, we still have the question of what do you do with the Astrodome," said Mark Surface with the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation.

The redevelopment group is still trying to secure financing and meet a January deadline.

More importantly, it must reach an operating agreement with Reliant Park's major tenants -- the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and the Houston Texans.

"At the end of the day, the county is looking long term -- is this going to work and if it didn't, what would happen to the county's interest," Emmett said.

Some sports fans and taxpayers have reservations about turning the landmark into another hotel.

"I don't like it," Herman Rogers said.

"I don't know if it would work out too well. It's too big and I don't know who would want to stay there," Glenn Lamont said.

If the redevelopment group does not meet its deadline, the county can reclaim the authority to decide the future of the Astrodome.

The county has already granted the Astrodome Redevelopment Corporation several deadline extensions.

Meantime, the continuing cost of operating the dome is another concern. It costs approximately $2.8 million annually.

There's $30 million in debt still owed on the bonds. Emmett said the county wants that paid off as part of any deal.