The short-notice timing was necessary because the Union Station portion of the tour had to be scheduled for the period between the end of asbestos abatement and the start of major renovation work. At left, Houston Union Station in the 1960s before the Great Hall was closed and false ceilings and partitions installed. Union Station s rebirth as the main entrance to Enron Field technically is a renovation and not a restoration. The most noticeable impact of this lack of protection is in Union Station s upper floor offices, which have been completely gutted for remodeling. Above, Enron Field rises where Union Station's tracks once lay.
Home plate is at the lower left hand cormer of the photo.
The top right floor in the building will be the Astros owner's offfice. Immediately above on the roof will be a party deck, which will be available for rent to the public. The tour was led by the helpful and informative Jerry Dinkins, owners representative on the construction project. Before entering the station itself, Mr. Dinkins directed us to various levels of the new ballpark, giving the group a feel for the sight lines of the field from various parts of the new stands. Comparisons with the Astrodome will be inevitable, and we will leave most to the local media.