Landmark Status May Highlight St. Louis Architect's Astrodome Design

Gustel Kiewitt's lamella roof expertise was key to the iconic Houston stadium's construction.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the Houston Astrodome broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a palette of deep blues, greys, and metallic accents, capturing the architectural complexity and historical significance of the landmark sports venue.The iconic lamella roof design of the Houston Astrodome, as envisioned through the cubist lens of Pablo Picasso.St. Louis Today

The Houston Astrodome is being considered for national landmark status, which could shine a spotlight on the work of St. Louis architect Gustel Kiewitt. Kiewitt was an expert in lamella roof design, a crisscrossing diamond-shaped style, and his firm Roof Structures Inc. was hired to create the Astrodome's distinctive roof. Kiewitt also designed the old St. Louis Arena, another landmark building featuring a lamella roof.

Why it matters

Achieving landmark status would help preserve the Astrodome, one of the most iconic sports facilities in American history. If successful, it would also bring greater recognition to Gustel Kiewitt, a pioneering architect whose innovative roof designs played a key role in the construction of several notable buildings, including the Astrodome and the St. Louis Arena.

The details

Kiewitt, who came to the U.S. from Germany in 1923, was an expert in lamella roofs, a crisscrossing diamond-shaped design that provided immense structural support. His St. Louis-based firm, Roof Structures Inc., was hired to create the lamella roof for the Astrodome, which was under construction in the early 1960s. The distinctive crisscrossing pattern of the Astrodome's roof is a testament to Kiewitt's engineering prowess.

  • Kiewitt arrived in the U.S. from Germany in 1923.
  • Kiewitt's firm, Roof Structures Inc., was hired to design the Astrodome's roof in the early 1960s.
  • The Astrodome opened in 1965 and became known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.
  • The Astrodome is currently being considered for national landmark status by the National Park Service.

The players

Gustel Kiewitt

A St. Louis architect and engineer who was an expert in lamella roof design and played a major role in the construction of the iconic Houston Astrodome.

Roof Structures Inc.

Kiewitt's St. Louis-based firm that was hired to design the lamella roof for the Houston Astrodome.

Beth Wiedower Jackson

The executive director of the Astrodome Conservancy, who stated that landmark status would 'elevate the building across the country, internationally, and at home as well.'

Houston Astrodome

The iconic sports stadium in Houston, Texas, known for its distinctive lamella roof design and its status as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.

St. Louis Arena

Another landmark building designed by Gustel Kiewitt, featuring a similar lamella roof design, that served as the longtime home of the NHL's St. Louis Blues.

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What they’re saying

“That level of designation really elevates the building across the country, internationally, and at home as well.”

— Beth Wiedower Jackson, Executive Director, Astrodome Conservancy

What’s next

If the Astrodome is granted landmark status by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, it would help preserve the iconic stadium and bring greater recognition to the work of architect Gustel Kiewitt, whose innovative roof design was a key part of the Astrodome's construction.

The takeaway

The potential landmark status of the Houston Astrodome could shine a light on the influential work of St. Louis architect Gustel Kiewitt, whose expertise in lamella roof design was instrumental in creating one of the most iconic sports facilities in American history.