EaDo's massive new nightclub

Massive new nightclub splashes into EaDo for Halloween weekend

Finishing touches are still underway, so a rendering will have to do.

Halloween weekend will be a memorable time for nightlife lovers. Houston's newest nightclub, Sekai Night and Day, will open its doors on October 29.

Located in a converted warehouse in EaDo (1505 Saint Emanuel St.), Sekai Night and Day will offer revelers 26,000 square feet of space for drinking, dancing, and partying.

First announced this summer, the indoor-outdoor space has been designed to cater to VIPs in search of a premium, Vegas-style experience.

That starts outside where customers will find a 1,000-square-foot, resort-style pool flanked by two stories of cabanas. Overall, the 10,000-square-foot pool area will offer 16 cabanas; 12 of them will hold approximately a dozen people each and be equipped with amenities such as couches, a TV, and a safe. Four more cabanas sit under the 1,200-square foot Atrium Lounge, an elevated, private event space for 100 that has its own bar.

Those seeking to spend a little less may opt for one of the five daybeds or 13 tables. A vending machine will provide logo'ed swimwear for people to sport while posing for selfies.

Inside, Sekai will be even more plush. The 27 VIP tables will feature stadium-style lounge seating that overlooks the dance floor — and allows dancers to follow the action at the tables. A 50-foot, black marble-topped bar matches the black marble flooring.

Of course, plenty of technology will enhance the experience. Audiotek, an Irish firm whose clients include Pacha Ibiza and Hakkasan in Las Vegas, oversaw the design of lighting, audio, and video elements. Look for 200 LED light strips to illuminate the main room, and 60-feet of curved LED screens that surround the DJ booth, which of course will open to both the interior and pool areas.

WYLD CHLD, Sekai Hospitality's club slated for the former Benjy's/The Classic space on Washington, will open in November.

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one last hurrah

Staple downtown Houston bar announces imminent closure

Dean's Downtown/Facebook

Dean's is closing this Sunday, April 26.

One of downtown Houston’s favorite casual bars will serve its last drink this weekend. Dean’s will close after service on Sunday, April 26.

First opened in 1999 as Dean’s Credit Clothing, the bar rebranded as Dean’s when current owner Bobby Stark took over in 2013. He tells CultureMap that Notsuoh owner Jim Pirtle, who also owns the bar’s building at 316 Main Street, offered to buy out the last two years of Dean’s lease so that he could open a new concept in the space.

“[The buyout] allows me, my partners, and my employees to do something else,” Stark writes in a text. “Some staff want to get out of the business. Some want to start their own bars and restaurants. Some just want to continue, and Jim’s new bar will be mostly the same vibe — maybe just a little bit more low-key.”

Dean’s opened at the same time as other game-changing bars and restaurants such as Goro & Gun, the Original OKRA Charity Saloon, and Captain’s Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge. Stark says he’s watched the area evolve from an area that people viewed skeptically into one of Houston’s most popular nightlife spots.

“Back then, downtown still had the perception that it was dangerous somehow. I don’t know why,” he says. “Now, it’s more mainstream. In a way, I think Houston is becoming more metropolitan as opposed to just a car city.”

Dean’s will celebrate its last night with “Party Like Its 2013.” Expect a soundtrack powered by songs from the era from artists such as The Weeknd, Rihana, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Taylor Swift, and more. The party runs from 8-11 pm.

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