Memorial Coliseum in Corpus Christi, Texas, is an architecturally-significant building of mid-century modern style that was designed by Corpus Christi's own acclaimed architect, Richard S. Colley. Solemnly dedicated on September 26, 1954 as a memorial to 400 men and women of Nueces County who gave their lives in WWII, it became the center of community events and activities for 50 years.
On May 15, 2010, the Texas State Board of Review for National Register nominations voted unanimously to recommend that Memorial Coliseum be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The nomination meets three criteria for listing: Criteria A, Recreation and Entertainment at the local level of significance; Criteria A, Community Planning and Development at the National level of significance and Criteria C, Architecture, also at the National level of significance. National level is the highest honor.
In a disappointing turn, the Texas Historical Commission is of the opinion that the National Register will not list Memorial Coliseum because of the daily deterioration due to demolition under the order of the current city council. The unanimously-supported nomination will not be forwarded to the National Park Service for consideration. It is a very sad for Corpus Christi and for the country to lose a building of national significance and international acclaim.
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