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The Houston Astros have an additional distinction besides its World Series win.

The Astros Minute Maid Park is on the site of a former 38-acre Brownfield.

Many states (including Arkansas) and the federal government have statutes, regulations and policies that are intended to address “Brownfields.” Brownfields are often referred to as real property (improved or unimproved), the expansion, redevelopment, or use of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants. Incentive provisions, liability exemptions, action/cleanup standards have been utilized for a number of years to attempt to reduce the barriers to reuse or redevelopment of Brownfield properties.

The goal of Brownfield programs is to encourage redevelopment and investment in such properties to increase the local tax base, facilitate job growth, utilize existing infrastructure, encourage infill, and take pressure off greenspace.

A recent U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee news release noted that Minute Maid Park was redeveloped pursuant to the City of Houston’s “Brownfields Redevelopment Program.” The site was an abandoned intercity passenger terminal prior to its redevelopment. A link to a series of pictures from the City of Houston’s Brownfields Program site detailing the redevelopment can be found here.

Note that Minute Maid Park is not the only baseball park built on a former Brownfield. The Baltimore Orioles Camden Yards share this distinction. (Go Orioles! [There’s always next year])