(re)open sesame
Magical Houston club will reopen this year — but not with gambling

Magic Island will finally reopen this year.
Eyewitness News is getting a first peek inside the newly-renovated Magic Island that's set to reopen after 16 years, but not as a gambling venue, according to its owner.
The iconic, recognizable building with the Sphinx originally opened in 1984 and once showcased Vegas-style magic shows, dining, drinking, and more.
However, it has since sat empty off the Southwest Freeway near Greenbriar Drive since 2008 following Hurricane Ike and a subsequent fire. Since then, looters have rummaged through the property, but now it's set to reopen.
ABC13 has learned that a lot of the original Egyptian-themed décor will remain. New additions include a large bar, a covered patio, and a giant event ballroom.
According to the owner, Dr. Mohammad Athari, what's not happening is any sort of gambling, as previously reported.
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Continue reading this story, with video, on our news partner ABC13.
