NRG Astrodome
Location: Houston
Year: 1962
Cost: $300 million*
In 1962, Houston mayor Roy Hofheinz oversaw the construction of the NRG Astrodome. Hofheinz supported a contemporary, multi-purpose stadium that could lure spectators. Ground was broken on the $300 million project in 1962. The Astrodome has hosted three major Houston sports teams. Hurricane Katrina survivors were housed at the stadium, but fire rules forced its closure in 2008. The building is unoccupied and partially demolished. The Astrodome remains unrestored despite multiple attempts. Instead, Houston and its sports teams focused on NRG Stadium, previously Reliant Stadium. The 2000 retractable-roof stadium marked a new era and made the astrodome look even older.
NRG Astrodome
Burj Al Babas
Location: Turkey
Year 2014
Cost: $200 million*
Developers began building Burj Al Babas between Istanbul and Ankara in 2014. Pearly white residences were designed to attract holiday homebuyers looking for a scenic location. A $200-million investment should have yielded easy returns. Instead, it was a costly time and resource waste. The little Disney castle-like French-style dwellings were left unfinished after the firm that started them went bankrupt in 2018. Although 587 structures were built, the megaproject’s future is uncertain as it tries to go forward. Developers want to sell all their units and finish the rest. A demolition project would likely cost more than the initial build. Let’s hope for a cost-effective solution for everyone.
Burj Al Babas
