Swinging Country

Historic Montrose gay bar to close — right after celebrating its 35th anniversary

Brazos River Bottom, the gay country and western bar and dance club that has called the Montrose area home for more than three decades, will be closing its doors at the end of March.

Robert Harwood, co-manager and bartender at BRB, tells CultureMap that the 100-year-old building at 2400 Brazos Street has seen better days. The owners have sold the property, and are eyeing a few different replacement locations — and Harwood estimated just a 50/50 chance of finding something suitable.

"There's been a lot of things go on here over the past 35 years," he said, noting a number of different bar owners and Houston's changing LGBT scene.

The owners have sold the property and are eyeing a few different replacement locations — estimating just a 50/50 chance of finding something suitable.

Just consider the recent makeover of Mary's, Houston's historic gay bar, into a coffee shop. And the fact that the BRB is now smack dab in the booming Midtown area (35 years ago there was no such label as Midtown), where apartments, condos and mixed-use complexes are going up everywhere.

BRB's calendar is packed with scheduled events until closing night, with Sunday night shows, free Thursday evening dance lessons and entertainment events associated with Luey Weekend in mid-February and the TGRA's Texas Tradition Rodeo in mid-March.

But there will also be two bittersweet causes for celebration in these last days: The BRB's 35th anniversary party during the second weekend in March and a blow-out on its last night, March 30.

"I'm sure it will be busy 'til the very last minute we close," Harwood said.

Brazos River Bottom has called 2400 Brazos Street home since 1979.

Brazos River Bottom

Brazos River Bottom has called 2400 Brazos Street home since 1979.

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A Montrose jewel box

Charming Montrose townhouse with 2-story atrium hits the market

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

Montrose has long been Houston’s neighborhood for the eclectic, a place where cute bungalows, mom-and-pop shops, and trendy bars and restaurants sit side-by-side. The neighborhood is a microcosm of the city itself: diverse, developing, beloved.

And even as the neighborhood has steadily gentrified, echoes of its past remain. One of those is now for sale. 1507 Harold Street, a remodeled jewel box of a space, is on the market for $950,000 and represented by Tracey Smith of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.

The 1950s townhome has fabulous natural light, balconies, a courtyard filled with native plants, and a funky charm that evokes the neighborhood’s past and present.

Painted tile floors and long hallways with splendid light set the tone for this home. They give way to an open, airy arrangement, showing off 1507 Harold’s nearly 3,000 square feet. The three-bedroom, two-bath home is immediately centered in its neighborhood, but also a retreat from the bustling city around it.

If the devil is in the details, 1507 Harold has plenty of them. Think painted clay tiles on the first floor and solid red oak hardwood on the second floor. Add to that custom Pedini Italian kitchen cabinets, Neolith countertops, and a Quemere custom backsplash in the kitchen. See also the epoxied garage floor with glass garage door.

Floor-to-ceiling windows not only let in the natural light, they give 1507 Harold the feeling of being surrounded by nature. That feeling is enhanced by the home's two, second-floor balconies. One of them, off the primary bedroom, overlooks the cloistered courtyard filled with native plants, park bench, and natural seating. The other faces the neighborhood. A two-story atrium provides space for meditation, contemplation, and casual gathering.

The dining room has a dry bar that’s perfect for storage and an Aobosi dual-temperature wine refrigerator. The primary bedroom has built-in bookcases and drawers, and an ensuite bath with soaking tub and shower. Sliding doors lead to the balcony.

The garden’s irrigation system waters plants daily, keeping this green space well-tended.South Texas cactus and olive trees welcome homeowners and visitors at the front entrance.

The home's welcoming vibe has to be seen to be believed. It’s rarely been on the market, and the odds are high that its next owners will keep it for a very long time. It’s just that kind of place.

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

home-for-sale