Houston’s Magic Island Set To Reopen As Event, Private Gambling Venue This Summer

One of Houston’s most bizarre and prominent vacant buildings is set for a summer reopening, this time with private gambling and selfie appeal. 

Magic Island, the 22K SF building sporting a giant fiberglass pharaoh head that sits almost eye level with passersby on U.S. Highway 59, originally opened as a club with staged magic shows and other attractions in 1984, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The building will reopen this year as an event venue with private gambling, including poker, blackjack and roulette, the article states.

Magic Island has been closed since 2008 when Hurricane Ike caused a fire. In the years since, it has been a favorite of urban explorers and those who wanted to tag its Egyptian-themed paintings and props and 150-seat theater with graffiti. 

Houston neurologist Mohammad Athari bought the property in 2018 and originally expected to open it as early as November of that year. Numerous factors, including the pandemic, derailed that plan. 

Now, new general manager Michael Loneman, who previously worked at the South Shore Harbor Resort in League City, assured a Chronicle correspondent that Magic Island is getting into shape to reopen this summer. The Chronicle was not able to take photos but reported that the interior appears about 80% complete and all of the graffiti is gone. 

The outdoor patio now has a retractable awning, the outlet reported. The westward orientation of the building will appeal to those who want great photos, Loneman said.

“Most restaurants in this area are not facing the right way,” Loneman told the Chronicle. “When it comes to engagements and special events, you’ll get a lot of great pictures because of the sunset. Plus, when you’re coming down the freeway, there’s no better form of advertising than to look over and see people dancing and having fun.”

Though gambling is not legal in Texas, different rules apply to members of private clubs, Loneman said. Texas Penal Code prohibits receiving any economic benefit from gambling other than personal winnings and prohibits establishments from taking any proceeds from gambling. 

“If you’re a member of the Black Club at Magic Island, there are different laws that apply to you,” Loneman told the Chronicle. “You know, kind of like a teenage daughter who wants to drink wine with the family.”

Other building features include an upstairs lounge with a bar, faux artifacts displayed behind glass, a grand piano, a disco room with a retractable ceiling and a ballroom, according to the article.