urn:taro:utexas.cah.00130 A Guide to the Robert J. Minchew Houston Astrodome Architectural and Engineering Collection Dolph Briscoe Center for American History Text converted and initial EAD tagging provided by Apex Data Services, March 2001. Finding aid written in English. March 25, 2003 Edited with XMetaL 2 by Bill Hardesty, according to instructions in Editing TARO Finding Aids. Tue Jul 22 15:27:50 CDT 2003 urn:taro:utexas.cah.00130 converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (20030505). August 2009 Updated box locations by Laurel Rozema (reprocessed in 2005 by former archivist). Descriptive Summary Minchew, Robert J. Robert J. Minchew Houston Astrodome Architectural and Engineering Collection 1928-1990 [AR 94-274; 94-371] 21 ft. The University of Texas at Austin, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History Robert J. Minchew was the on-site architect during the construction of the Houston Astrodome. Papers, newspaper clippings, films, photographs, blueprints and correspondence documenting his career and his work on the Houston Astrodome. Forms part of the Touring Entertainment Industry Archive. English. Biographical Note

Robert J. Minchew was the on-site architect during the construction of the Houston Astrodome, which opened in April 1965. He worked for the architect firm Wilson, Morris, Crain and Anderson. Minchew was educated at Rice University and was a member of the Construction Specifications Institute.

Scope and Contents

Construction files, research files, legal documents, financial documents, newspaper clippings, films, magazines, photographs, drawings, blueprints and correspondence document the career of Robert J. Minchew and his work on the Houston Astrodome and other construction projects. The bulk of the material focuses on the Astrodome, originally called Harris County Domed Stadium, in Houston, Texas. Judge Roy Hofheinz, owner of the Houston Astros, developed the idea for the Astrodome, the world’s first multi-purpose domed stadium. After its completion the Astrodome became known as the “eighth wonder of the world.” The records include correspondence, meeting records, and reports from all contributing parties including architects: Herman Lloyd and W.B. Morgan, and Wilson, Morris, Crain, and Anderson, the construction company: H.A. Lott Inc. and the engineers: Walter P. Moore: Lockwood, Andrews and Newman: John J. Turney and Robert J. Cummins office. The Astrodome files cover specific aspects of construction including the foundation, physical plant, roof structure, skylight, parking lot, and fallout shelter. Areas inside the Astrodome include the sound system, seating, concession, graphics, and grass. Materials record the completion of the Astrodome including punch lists, testing, inspection, publicity, and awards received. Financial files provide estimates and record funds. The collection includes legal files of the litigation between the Houston Sports Association and Harris County including depositions regarding roof leakage. Media records document the publicity surrounding the Astrodome during its construction and completion. Other documented construction projects Robert Minchew contributed to include the City of Longview, Texas, police and courts building, Hallmark II, and the Houston Livestock Rodeo Exhibition.

Index Terms Subjects (Persons) Minchew, Robert J.--Archives. Subjects Astrodome (Houston, Tex.). Astrodome (Houston, Tex.)--Photographs. Architects--Texas--Houston. Architecture--Texas--Houston. Architecture, Modern--United States—20th century. Public buildings--Texas--Houston. Sports facilities--Texas--Houston. Stadia--Texas--Houston. Preferred Citation

Robert J. Minchew Houston Astrodome Architectural and Engineering Collection, 1928-1990, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.

 Access Restrictions

Unrestricted access.

Use of film material by appointment only; please contact repository for details.

 Use Restrictions

Portions of this collection are stored remotely at the Library Storage Facility; at least 72 hours notice is required.

 Separated Material

Some material has been separated to the Artifacts Collection.

 Related Material

Forms part of the Touring Entertainment Archive.

 Detailed Description of the Papers At Library Storage Facility: 94-274/1 Astrodome Project Planning Research Facility reference Ancher Romero and Company, California State Fair Exhibition, August 1958 Cow Palace, San Francisco, undated Detroit: The Newest Convention City, 1963 District of Columbia Stadium Dedication, 1961 Economic analysis of the proposed Honolulu stadium, 1966 Engineering and economic study District of Columbia Stadium, 1958 Las Vegas convention center, 1958 Polo grounds, undated Plan and detail sheets for sports and civic center, designed by James and Harriss, AIA, Atlanta, Georgia , undated Report on the economic feasibility of the Kentucky Fair and Exposition center, 1954 Study of development costs Coliseum and Stock Show, South Main Street and O.S.T. site, March 1960 Tulsa State Fairgrounds, 1958 Stadium reference Arena Auditorium Stadium Guides, 1959-1960 The general conditions of the contract for the construction of buildings, 1963 Research notes on domes, 1961-1962 Urban planning 1950 United States Census of Population: Houston, Texas, 1950 City Planning Commission Annual Reports, 1955-1957 Houston Facts and Figures for Houston Area Businessmen, undated New residential electric connections, 1958 Projected freeways, 1958 Typical wage rates in the Houston Area, 1958 Urban Planning guide, undated Harris County Domed Stadium planning Coliseum general requirements, undated Construction specifications institute, 1962-1963 Correspondence, assembling the team contractual matters, 1958-1964 Harris County Board of Park Commissioners meeting, 1958 Information relating to the preliminary bidding, 1961 Planning notes, undated Specifications Preliminary Architectural Program and site area considerations, 1958 Site evaluation, 1958 Plans and Specifications for Harris County Domed Stadium, Addendum I, October 1962 Specifications for Harris County Domed Stadium, 1961 94-274/2 Construction documents for Harris County Domed Stadium, 1962 Addendum to the plans and specifications for covered dome: Addendum #1, 2, 3, 3-A, 4 94-274/3 Addendum #4, 4-A, 5 Items to be classified, 1962 Time line of stadium completion, 1962 Drawings Drawings, January 24, 1961 Drawing of roof sections, 1973 Drawings, undated Field drawings, 1963 Fireplace drawings, 1958 Processed shop drawings, 1963-1964 Shop drawings reinforcing, 1963 Transmittal receipts Shop drawing transmittal waiting for sepia tracings, 1963 Shop drawings requiring re-submittal, 1963 Shop drawings sent to Chris Vaught, 1963 Shop drawings sent to I.A. Naman and Associates, 1963 Shop drawings sent to Roof Structures Inc., 1963 Walter P. Moore transmittal file, 1965 Materials Brochures AmBridge Standard Steel Stadiums, 1959 CADRE industries corporation, undated Concrete grandstands, undated Graver Tank, 1961 Kalwall translucent structural panels, 1958 Midland, undated North American Aviation, 1960 OSRAM high-pressure xenon lamps, undated Petrical Acoustical Deck, 1975 Photo composing machine, undated Precast grilles, 1964 Radiant lamp, undated Rivet fasteners, undated Silicone construction sealant, 1965 Super skylight, 1965 Ther-mo-roof, 1960 Tnemec coatings, 1965 Lumber and its utilization, The Lamella Roof, 1928 H.A. Lott, material description and quantity, undated Construction material brochures, 1958-1962 Materials reports, 1963 Hardware Schedules, 1962-1963 TNEMEC company catalog, 1968 94-274/4 Architects and consultants Associated Stadium Architects, September 1967 Consulting engineers pamphlets, 1958-1962 H.E. Bovay Jr., consulting engineers, August 1958 International consultants and YUBA, 1960 Jeffrey Lindsay, 1960-1961 North American Aviation, 1960 Schjedahl and Birdair, 1960-1961 S.I. Morris Associates, 1972 Synergetics, 1960 Wendell Beard Consulting Engineer, undated Wilson, Morris, Crain, and Anderson office directory, undated Architect and consultants correspondence Fisk Electric Company, 1963 L.P. Kooken Company, undated Lett, Johnson, Drake, and Piper, 1964-1965 Lockwood, Andrews, and Newman, 1958 Mulhouser, Holms, and Riggs, 1964 Wilson, Morris, Crane, and Anderson, 1961-1975 Construction correspondence, July 1958-October 1959 94-274/5 Construction correspondence, January 1960-April 1964 94-274/6 Construction correspondence, May 1964-October 1965 94-274/7 Construction correspondence, undated Meetings Application and data for Architects, 1958-1959 Architect and consultant meetings, 1971 Job meeting reports, 1962-1965 Architect’s questions, 1961 Architect’s notes, 1961-1964 Meeting notes, 1960-1966 Reports Daily reports, 1962 94-274/8 Daily reports, 1963 Copies of engineers’ field books, 1974-1975 Engineering reports, 1960 Engineering statistics, January 1964 H.A. Lott, Inc. photograph records documenting astrodome construction, May 1963-March 1965 Memo books, 1964, undated Progress diaries, 1963-1964 Changes Order books, 1963-1964 Lett, Johnson, Drake, and Piper Proposals for contract change, 1964-1965 Complete change orders, court approved, 1964-1966 Approved change orders, 1963 Requests for replacement of time by the contractor, 1963-1964 Foundation Foundation plans, 1963 Members not yet erected, undated Retaining wall tie back, 1963 Temporary stadium, 1961-1962 94-274/9 Physical Plant Operation of Mechanical Facilities, 1965 Prefilters: Installation, operation and maintenance instructions, 1965 Report on Analysis of refrigeration plant for proposed sports stadium, undated Roof structure Armstrong F/A roofing: architects and engineers’ specifications, undated Astrodome roofing design, 1963-1964 Lydick roofing company, 1961 Proposal Kaiser Aluminum 12 HV Dome for Harris County Sports Stadium, December 1960 Report on a conference concerning dome structure design, 1961 Roof structures, 1960-1963 Roof structure report, 1961 Roof structure correspondence, 1962-1964 Shopcoat paint on dome, 1963 The Story of Roof Structures, Inc. 1930-1961 Contract documents, new roofing and appurtenant repairs, 1972 Skylight Correspondence concerning dome glare and lighting, 1966 Glass skylights, 1961-1965 Memorandum to Preston Shirley concerning skylights, October 1975 Plastic skylight documents, 1957-1962 Plastic skylights, 1961-1965 Plastics and fire, 1962 Skylight correspondence, 1961-1975 94-274/10 Skylight inspections, 1967-1978 Skylight information, 1964-1967 Skylight memorandum, 1975 Sunlight and skylights, 1960-1963 Sound System Acoustics, 1960-1965 Architectural acoustical materials, 1963 Operating instructions sound amplification system, 1967 Printed material sound systems, undated Sound amplification systems, 1963 Sound equipment, May 1963 Sound system correspondence, 1965 Taft Broadcasting company contractors, undated Seating Construction documents for seating, 1963 Seating, 1964 Concession stands Food service equipment, undated Ice machines, 1963 Graphics Agreement for graphics consultant, 1966 Correspondence, graphics file, 1965 Qualitative analysis of sign requirements, undated Grass Artificial grass, 1964 Grass contracts, 1961 Grass experience, A&M College, 1964 94-274/11 Grass research, 1960-1962 Landscape correspondence, 1963 Sodding, 1963-1964 Parking Lot Brown and Root Contracts, 1964-1965 Correspondence, 1965 Daily Time Report, 1964 Monthly estimate file, 1964-1965 Test report files, concrete, soil, 1964-1965 Correspondence concerning parking lots, 1962 Daily reports, stadium sub-drainage, 1962 Fencing, 1963 Lab reports, 1962 Parking lot surfacing, 1964 Proposal, contract documents and specifications for asphalt surfacing for Northeast Quadrant parking area, 1962 Proposal for drainage and paving, March 1964 Proposal for grading, drainage facilities and surfacing, 1961 Report of sub-surface soil exploration tests for Harris County Domed Stadium parking lot, undated Specifications and bid for Harris County domed stadium parking lot surfacing, 1964 Specifications and bid for the Harris County domed stadium parking lot surfacing, undated Specifications for earthwork and subdrainage for Harris County Sports Stadium, Houston, Texas, 1961 Sub-drainage, 1962 Sub-drainage, John Kraak Inc., 1962-1964 Trinity Construction Company surfacing northeast quadrant parking area, 1962 Fallout shelter Fallout shelter, 1961 Fallout shelter project, revised estimate, February 1962 Proposed Houston-Harris County, Texas, fallout shelter project, 1962 Punch list Check set, graphic at stadium, 1965 Punch list file, 1965 Recommendations for completion, 1966 94-274/12 Completed stadium Astrodome summary, 1967 Domed stadium data, 1968 Facts and figures about the Harris County Sports Stadium, 1961-1962 Harris County Domed Stadium general information, undated Post-construction correspondence, 1965-1972 Testing Acoustical Evaluation, 1965 Cathodic Protection Survey, 1965 Corrosion study and recommendations, 1963 Evaluation of wind tunnel test, 1961 Evaluation of wind tunnel data, 1961 Investigation of surface burning characteristics, 1963 Laboratories Daniel F. Smith Laboratories test results, 1964 Engineering testing laboratories, 1963-1964 Pittsburg Testing Lab, 1964-1965 Shilstone Testing Lab, 1969 Southwestern Laboratories reports, 1962-1963 Settlement studies, 1963 Soil borings and tests stadium relocation Houston, Texas, July 1961 94-274/13 Soil investigation, 1961 Soil test reports, 1962 Steel tests, 1963 Surveys, undated Test results, 1963-1965 Testing correspondence, 1962-1965 Inspection Domed Stadium inspection report, January 1965 Hot mix alphaltic concrete inspection, 1965 Inspection receipts, 1964-1965 Inspection reports out, 1965 Inspector correspondence, 1963-1964 Structural steel field inspection, 1963-1964 Structural steel shop inspection, 1963-1965 Financial Architects and engineers fees, 1959-1965 Associated architects financial correspondence, 1959-1961 Certificates of payments, general contractor, 1963-1965 Contractor cost estimate, 1961 Construction estimate, 1964 Cost estimates, 1962 Estimate, 1964 Estimate on stadium, 1958 Fees due, 1961-1963 Gasoline receipts, 1963-1964 Invoices, 1964-1965 Johnson, Drake and Piper Inc., estimate forms, undated Miscellaneous expenses paid, 1965 94-274/14 Photocopies, blueprint receipts, 1961-1962 Preliminary cost estimate, 1960 Receipts, undated Record of deposits made for plans and specifications, 1962 Remittance vouchers, 1965-1966 Stadium paid bills A-Z, 1961-1965 Blueprints, 1965 Drafting time, 1965 Engineers, 1965 Grass Experiment, 1961 Travel, 1964 Legal Affidavit, 1967 Agreements, 1962 Contracts Contracts and pricing sheets, 1964-1970 Contract changes, 1963, 1965 Contract documents, new roofing and appurtenant repairs, Harris County Domed Stadium, October 1972 Documents concerning proposed contract for roofing system of the Harris County Domed Stadium, 1973 General contracts, 1963-1964 Harris County Commissioners court statement, 1961 Subcontracts, 1973 Subcontracts for roofing system, July 1973 94-274/15 Harris County legal action, 1961-1966 Harris County, Texas vs. Lloyd and Morgan, et. al., 1961 Houston Sports Association Agreement between the Houston Sports Association and Harris County, 1972 Contract and agreement between the Houston Sports Association Inc., and Tippetts-Abbett-McCarthy-Stratton, May 1972 Houston Sports Association Inc., contract documents, 1973 Lease and agreement by and between Harris County and Houston Sports Association, Inc., May 1961 Legal document concerning the Houston Sports Association, 1966 Legal documents between Harris County and Houston Sports Association, 1966-1972 Legal cases Commissioners’ court hearing on Harris County domed stadium, 1972 Hearing on the Harris County Domed Stadium, February 1972 Houston Sports Association vs. Harris County, 1959-1972 Supplemental material to county’s brief in support of motion for summary judgment, 1971 Houston Sports Association vs. Harris County Texas vs. Lloyd, Morgan, Wilson, Morris, Crain, and Anderson hearing on abatement, undated Houston Sports Association vs. Harris County Texas vs. Lloyd, Morgan, Wilson, Morris, Crain, and Anderson depositions Blair, Richard W., April 1974 Doss, Richard P., June 1971 Stipulations to be attached to the deposition of Richard P. Doss, June 1971 Dunne, William P., June 1974 Elliott, Judge William, September 1974 Eyster, Herbert M., November 1973 Farnsworth, Alan C., November 1973 94-274/16 Hofheinz, Fred, September 1972 Joiner, George, August 1974 Jones, Howard M., April 1974 Kwoh, Theodore H.T., September 1974 Miller, Edward D., Jr., June 1974 Miller, Viggo, September 1974 Minchew, Robert J., March 1974 Minner, Harold Y., March 1974 Exhibits to the deposition of Harold Y. Minner, 1967-1968 Morris, S.I., March 1974 Smith, Talbot M., September 1974 Tillinghast, Josh, August 1974 White, James W., June 1974 Wilson, Charles J., September 1974 Jones-Blair Company, Neogard Company correspondence, 1970-1975 94-274/17 Roof leakage Correspondence concerning roof leakage, 1963-1975 Houston Sports Association vs. Harris County Gulf Waterproofing Company Inc., 1964-1968 Investigation of roof leakage, 1972-1973 Insurance, 1965 Leases, 1963 Legal documents, 1964-1971 94-274/18 Legal documents, 1972-1973 Legal items Number 6-testing, 1963-1969 Number 7-fees, 1963-1965 Number 8-general requirements, 1961 Number 9-inspections, 1966-1970 Number 10-dome paint, 1965-1971 Number 31-soil, 1962-1963 Number 32-proposals, 1964 Number 37-construction progress, 1964-1966 Resolution, 1962 Stadium legislative bill, 1957 Media Articles Acousti-architectural Considerations in the Harris County Domed Stadium, 1965 The Air-Conditioning of Great Spaces draft, 1965 Dynamic Houston: The Domed Stadium, undated Firsts for Astrodome, undated The Greening of the Astrodome: An Experience in Collaboration by Charles Wilson, with drafts, undated Brochures concerning the Astrodome, undated Clippings Clippings, 1957-1965 Magazine clippings, 1958-1982 Newspaper clippings, 1951-1990 94-274/19 Newspaper clippings, undated Inside the Astrodome: Eighth Wonder of the World, 1965 Magazines Architectural and Engineering News, January 1963 Architectural Forum, January 1957 Building Construction, November 1964 Business Week, October 5, 1963 Chemical Week, April 17, 1965 Civil Engineering, April 1958 The Dallas Times Herald Sunday Magazine, April 4, 1965 Dupont Magazine, March-April 1964 Engineering Digest, January 1964 Engineering New-Record, February 27, 1964 Enjay Rubber Reporter, undated General Electric Review, September 1958 Great Southerner, April 1965 The Hot Air Recorder, January 1962 Houston Chronicle Texas Sunday Magazine, April 4, 1965 Lawyers Title News, November 1964 LIFE, April 9 and 23, 1965 LOOK, April 20, 1965 Lucite Spectrum, April 1964 Master Builders Reporter, no. 12, 1957 Materials Protection, November 1964 The Montreal Star Weekend Magazine, May 15, 1965 National Real Estate Investor, January 1965 Newsweek, August 17, 1964 and April 26, 1965 O Dirigente Constructor, April 1965 Rohm & Haas Reporter, May-June 1961 Red Topics, Issue 3, 1960 St. Louis Post-Dispatch Magazine, September 27, 1964 The Slide Rule, July 1961 This Week Magazine, May 1958 TIME, April 16, 1965 Paul Peters stadium movie proposal, 1964 Publicity files News releases, 1965-1967 Press releases concerning Astrodome, 1966 Public release file, 1964-1965 Publicity files, 1964-1965 Awards Architectural awards of excellence, 1965 Nomination for outstanding civil engineering achievement, 1965 Topping out ceremony, 1963-1964 Professional organizations Houston Engineering and Scientific Society, 1959 Houston Sports Association Acceptance, 1965 Correspondence, 1965 National League Baseball Club, 1962 National League Welcomes You Aboard, 1960 Society of the Plastics Industry - Design and Mechanical-Electrical Characteristics of 500-ft-diameter Radome, November 2, 1960 Sportsdome Association speech, undated Structural Cement-Fiber Products Association: uniforms standards and specifications, 1974 Texas Society of Professional Engineers A Guidebook on Engineering Fees and Salaries, 1952 Manual of Professional Practice, 1958 Travel documents to conventions, 1963-1965 94-274/20 Other construction project files American Cancer Society, 1974 American Heart Association, undated City of Longview, Texas, Police and Courts building, 1976 City jail General information Preliminary details Prison hardware and equipment supplies Product information Federal Reserve Bank of Houston, 1974 Hallmark II, 1977-1978 Addendum file Application and certificate for payment Architects field report Ballpark price request Board meeting minutes Completion and punch lists Change order Contract file Design revision Estimates Exemption certificate Field orders 94-274/21 General correspondence Job meeting reports Miscellaneous Owner furnished equipment Property information Proposals Requests for extra money SPAW-Glass Incorporated State licensing correspondence Testing reports Transmittals Houston Livestock Rodeo Exhibition Architectural proposals and plans, undated Report and construction data, 1967 Specifications for exterior elevation, 1968 Kronzer townhouse, 1974 Leonard Rosenberg Residence, 1974 Medical Clinic of Houston, 1974 Olmsted-Kirk Co. of Houston, 1974 Ralph Anderson townhouse, 1974 Rice University, 1974 U.S. Border Station, Laredo, 1974 Vanderbilt University, 1974 Western National Bank roof, 1974 At Sid Richardson Hall: 2.325/OD5 Astrodome Oversized posters, architectural drawings and blueprints, 1963 Daylight analysis of the Houston Domed Stadium, 1965 Ring girder erection procedure, 1963 Roof structure, 1963 Schedule for off-site projects, 1961 2.325/OD7 Oversized architectural plans, drawings and mockups, 1963 Operation schedules of Harris County Domed Stadium, 1965 2.325/OD8 Oversized blueprint drawings, 1961-1972 Repairs to main roof, 1972 3So83 Bound volume, blueprints for Harris County stadium, [ca. 1961] Architectural drawings and plans of the Harris County sports stadium, 1962-1965 Annotated calendar, 1964 3W199 Astrodome, silent print, reel-to-reel film, undated Wilson, Morris, Crain, and Anderson, A.I.A., “Some Recent Jobs”, reel-to-reel film, undated Big 2 News, KPRC-TV, Houston, reel-to-reel film, undated 2FilmC6 The Astrodome, 16mm color positive release print, undated 3V257 Harris County domed stadium photographs, contact sheets: 3V257 Miscellaneous 3V257 Contact sheets 3V257 Harris County domed stadium photographs 3V257 Soil test reports, 1962 3V257 Photographs from domed stadium under construction (disassembled album) 3V257 Construction progress photographs, 1962-1965 2.325/OD5 Other construction projects Blueprints for Harris county courthouse and jail building, 1950-1956 Birdseye view of the Honolulu municipal stadium site, September 6, 1967 2.325/OD8 Oversized blueprint drawings Houston Livestock Show and Exposition Building, [1967?] Building layout for old City of Houston police station/penthouse on courthouse annex number 12, undated Colt stadium, 1961 Seating plan proposal for buff stadium, 1961 3V257 Photographs of other stadiums, undated