Harris County Commissioners voted to use Kirksey Architecture for the Astrodome restructuring. Harris County commissioners voted to use Kirksey Architecture for the Astrodome restructuring.[/caption]

Harris County Commissioners Court approved this morning the hiring of Houston-based Kirksey Architecture to design the Astrodome restructuring.

Harris County Engineer John Blount said after an evaluation process in which several architects were considered, Kirksey Architecture earned “the most points” with its experience and ability.

In September the court approved the $105 million Astrodome renovation project.

The county will spend $10.5 million for Phase 1, which includes the engineering and architectural work.

The entire restructuring plan involves raising the Astrodome’s floor 30 feet to ground level, which would provide easier access for vehicles. The raised floor would also provide 8 acres of open space for events such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It also includes two levels of underground parking.

Kirksey Architecture is also the firm behind the St. Luke’s Woodlands Hospital expansion, the Downtown Houston Childcare Center and NRG Energy in Houston.

“They’ve done a lot of work for us in the city, and they’ve been around a long time,” Blount said.