HOUSTON — If you’re a longtime Houstonian, you’ll remember Magic Island -- the Sphinx-topped restaurant and local icon located along the Southwest Freeway and Kirby.
It has become almost an urban legend as folks kept a hopeful eye out for its reopening, which is now scheduled to happen this year.
The nod to ancient Egypt has been closed since 2008 thanks to Hurricane Ike, a fire and more.
Neurologist Dr. Mohammad Athari, who has owned Magic Island since 1985, said he wrestled with the insurance company and others who wanted deals after the storm.
“I had an offer from Playboy," Athari said. "I refuse. And also topless bars.”
Then came COVID, contractor problems and looting.
"They would take AC units," Consultant Brett Hightower said. "They would take copper, anything that was of value that they could take from the building they would take.”
Athari didn't let any of that get in the way of him bringing the magic back to the Houston landmark. He told KHOU 11 that some of the original decor from the building had been saved and refurbished. He also said there’s been a lot of remodeling, including a big, new first-floor ballroom, an outdoor patio that will be covered, a large central bar and a dining room that transforms into a disco dance floor. Plus, there’s a small theater.
“Different magicians will fly in from across the country to perform live here in Houston, Texas," Hightower said.
There were rumors that the new Magic Island would host a private gambling club but Athari said "absolutely not."