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Dome Cooperative

The discussion continues regarding our beloved Dome and what to do with it.

My vote is to have it serve as part of Houston's entrepreneurial legacy and make it functional and profitable. Houston is already "Business Start-Up Capital of the World," so let's convert The Dome into a core facility for just that: "the place to go when you're starting a business in Houston." (Or Texas or the USA!)

In The Dome's 350,000 square feet, let's combine WiFi hot spots, areas for co-working, trendy cafes, start-up consultants, a big bank, marketing, sales training, a smaller bank or two, executive suite, publicist, brew pub, coffee shop, credit union, angel investors, lenders, real estate agency, convenience store, drug store, office supplies and furniture outlet, a business incubator/accelerator and make another portion into extended-stay residences so out-of-towners have accommodations while starting, expanding, relocating, acquiring a business in Houston and still another part into a residency business incubator - first in the world - just as the Astrodome was in its time.

The astute "powers-that-be" realize it's our small businesses that drive our economy. Let's make it easier to get a business started in Houston than any other place in the world, eh?

"Business start-up" is an industry for Houston that brings in outside money. Let's make it efficient, convenient and effective. What's your opinion? Send me an email cdkring@servicesca.org, even if it's just an "Amen, Brother."

And, perchance, should you be a business consultant, attorney, CPA, realtor, marketing company, bookkeeper, banker, insurance underwriter, seed fund/venture capital fund administrator or any other support entity serving in-bound/start-up/emerging business clients and choose to have a presence in this vibrant entrepreneurial hub, send me that information, too, and I'll go show it to the "Dome Destiny Decision Makers." 

I sent this concept to the County Judge and the Harris County Commissioners. Here's the (very rapid) reply from Judge Emmett:

"Dear Mr. Kring, 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the future if the Astrodome.  To date, there have been many good suggestions floated but no one has been able to generate a viable revenue stream,  if no financially viable option is found, the Commissioners Court will have to decide the best course of action using Harris County tax dollars. 

As this process moves forward, please continue to share your thoughts with me.

Sincerely,
Ed Emmett
County Judge"

So, since Harris County actually "owns" The Dome our next steps in this project:
#1) Who actually controls what's done with The Dome.
#2) What capital resource is going to be necessary to convert The Dome.
#3) How will that capital be acquired so that the endeavor will be self-sufficient and independent of public funding, grants, gifts, donations or contributions.
#4) What is the proper legal structure to operate it as a building cooperative, owned by the tenants.
#5) What is the procedure to get the proposal for The Dome as a Business Center back on the table.
#6) What permissions are to be obtained to make the project available to prospective tenants and underwriters.
#7) Total costs and operating expenses associated with The Dome and who is paying them.
#8) Existing contracts regarding The Dome.

The concept is a "round shopping mall" with companies that provide products, services and support to Houston's Start-Up Community.

"Houston's greatest energy resource is it's entrepreneurial energy."

Here's how you/your company/organization can participate:

Save The Astrodome, click here.
Proposed Residency Incubator, click here.

Our Proposal submitted to HCSCC at 11:38 AM on June 10, 2013, click here.

We're reaching out to all those in Houston who may have ideas, plans or the passion for preservation of "The Dome" for collaboration. If you are such a person (or know of someone) please send an email here or forward this link:
www.servicesca.org/DomeCooperative.htm

Sample Replies: "I love the idea of making the dome into a business hub. It is very forward thinking and away from the usual ideas around entertainment.  I support this and as you dig more into the details, I hope many others will also.  Debra H."

"What a boom to business growth such an idea would bring. Art F."

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