Since 1956, the Gold Dome has stood as a shimmering vision of the future. But despite being one of Oklahoma City’s most recognizable sites, the geodesic dome — the fifth such structure in the world — almost became history.

With its complex web of 625 hexagons, the structure was designed to usher in a new age of technology, spanning 145 feet in diameter, covering approximately 27,000 square feet and representing a million-dollar investment.

But in 2001, the then-owners of the Gold Dom...