The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the modernist icon on the New Orleans skyline and home of the Saints, has been named to the National Register of Historic Places.
However, the owners of the Superdome—built by modernist architecture duo Curtis & Davis—were actually opposed to the designation during the selection process last year, worrying that "additional requirements imposed by being a historical place could slow maintenance and capital projects on the building."
The listing is mostly honorary, though:
The Superdome's listing in the National Register doesn't block any future attempt to demolish it. For the publicly owned building, the listing is mostly honorary. The register provides an incentive to preserve buildings by giving private developers access to federal historic tax credits. Way to go, Superdome! Forty years old and doing better than ever.
· Superdome listed on National Register of Historic Places [NOLA.com]
· All Superdome coverage [Curbed NOLA]
· All Curtis & Davis coverage [Curbed NOLA]