the palace is back

New entertainment hot spot keeps bowling rolling at iconic Houston locale

Prepare to be bowled over by Palace Social in 2021.

Rendering courtesy of BLKBOX

A beloved Houston institution is rolling out a major transformation: Bellaire favorite attraction, Palace Bowling Lanes (4191 Bellaire Blvd.), is evolving into Palace Social, slated to open spring 2021. The 30,000 square-foot space will include eight bowling lanes, an arcade, multi-sport simulators, and high-energy attractions.

Visitors can also expect event spaces available for meetings, birthdays, and karaoke, an e-sports lounge, and a full-service bar and dining lounge, according to a press release.

Foodies will recognize a name associated with the project. Acclaimed Houston chef, Ryan Hildebrand (most recently of Triniti and FM Kitchen & Bar) will head the Palace’s food and beverage program. Expect an emphasis on Southern and American fare, with brunch, lunch, and dinner offerings — incorporating seasonal favorites — in a casual setting. For refreshments, a full-service bar including craft cocktails and a variety of beers will be on tap.

“The menu will include modern takes on southern regional classics and all-American fare with a nostalgic nod to the diner-style history of Palace Bowling Lanes,” said Hildebrand in a statement. “It will include offerings of scratch cooking diverse enough for a meal in the dining room, a snack at the bar, shared plates at the bowling alley, or a group event in the karaoke room.”

Palace Social will be constructed by Texana Builders. Interior design is being handled by Houston-based Tramonte Design Studio, in collaboration with Gin Design Group. Branding duties are overseen by acclaimed Arkansas graphic design firm, BLKBOX, according to a release.

“We are excited with the team assembled to bring this project to life, one that will make a positive impact on the community as a gathering space for all ages,” said Billy Forney, Palace Social’s managing partner, in a statement. “We are fortunate to be working with the best minds in the business to create a truly unique and fun experience in a historic location with a high level of nostalgia for Houstonians. Palace Social will draw on elements from the past while firmly establishing itself as a new concept sure to create memories for new generations to come.”

flight cancelled

Historic Houston air terminal museum closes due to budget shortfall

Photo courtesy of 1940 Air Terminal Museum

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A beloved Houston museum has closed its doors — at least for now. The 1940 Air Terminal Museum announced this morning (Monday, March 2) that it has ceased operations.

Located next to Hobby Airport, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum showcases Houston’s aviation history. Designed by local architect Joseph Finger, the museum’s Art Deco building is a protected landmark that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Museum president and director Karen Nicolaou tells CultureMap that the problem is simple. The museum’s revenues don’t match its expenses. Previously, the museum raised $100,000 or more per year from raffles on Facebook, but that stream dried up.

It generates some money from admissions and more from hosting private events, but it hasn’t been enough. Being far away from the Museum District means it doesn’t get the cross traffic that its more centrally-located peer institutions do.

Still, the museum occupies a unique space in Houston. “It’s one of the coolest places for kids to see airplanes,” Nicolaou says. “There’s no other place where someone can walk onto the ramp and take a picture of plane taking off with nothing in the way.”

While the museum is closed for now, Nicolaou says its board has been in contact with the Texas Historical Commission about taking over operations. One issue is that the commission would want to take ownership of the building from Houston Airports, according to Nicolaou.

“That’s going to take coordination between the city, the airport system, and the Texas State Senate. There’s a lot of politics involved,” Nicolaou says.

Of course, she has a simple proposal for Houston Mayor John Whitmire that would move the process along.

“Mr. Mayor, sell the historical commission the building for a dollar and be done with it,” she says with a laugh.

In response to CultureMap's request for comment, Mayor John Whitmire provided the following statement: "I’ve spoken with the Chair of the Texas Historical Commission about opportunities to support the museum’s operations in ways that enhance the public experience. We’re making progress, but discussions are in the early stages."

Whether it’s operated by the City of Houston, the Texas Historical Commission, a university, or some other entity, Nicolaou hopes the public will be able to visit the museum again soon and for many years to come.

“We want a permanent solution. We’ve tried for one for years,” she says. “It belongs to the city. It belongs to the residents of the city of Houston. They should have it to go to for years.”

museums transportation 1940 air terminal museum