Preservationists want to save the historic Astrodome

HOUSTON – Hundreds of preservationists from around the county have descended on Houston to learn how the Bayou City saves its historic places.

The Past Forward conference is being held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

"Houston is not considered a preservation city by any means, but there's an amazing amount of historic resources that do exist in Houston. And to think that in a city that doesn't have a preservation ethic or a strong regulatory framework for historic preservation, historic preservation is still happening everywhere," said Susan West Montgomery, vice president of preservation resources at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The group will spend the week touring Houston. Members are especially interested in the story of the Astrodome.

"Stadiums aren't always the No. 1  example when people think about preservation," said Nicholas Hopkins of New Orleans.

But in Houston, the 8th Wonder of the World became symbolic of the battle between progress and preservation.

"If a building is torn down, history is gone," said Frazine Taylor of Montgomery, Alabama.

Wednesday, the National Trust honored Harris County Judge Ed Emmett for his work to save the Dome.