Houston's bar scene is about to get a major upgrade with the introduction of the Solarium, set to replace the now-closed Holman Draft Hall in Midtown. According to a news release obtained by Community Impact, the previous establishment, known for its 100 taps of draft beer, wine, and pub food, shuttered its doors on July 1st to make way for this innovative new venture that plans to offer a "multi-faceted experience." The Solarium is expected to throw open its doors in August at the same 820 Holman St. location.
Key players in this transformation are the Kirby Group, a seasoned operator in the hospitality sector, and Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.'s Rex Hospitality. Despite the change infusing a basketball-esque feel with a court layout, the core ethos seems rooted in becoming "an oasis in the heart of the city," where guests can enjoy a harmonious blend of leisure and activity, according to a release shared by the Chron. Not only will patrons find a restaurant and a bar, but also four pickleball courts, two padel courts, and five lounge-court bays complete with waiter service.
Considering the growing pickleball phenomenon, with approximately 50 locations offering courts around Houston as reported in March, Solarium's concept aligns with the increasing demand for venues that blend sports with social settings. The partnership between the Kirby Group and McCullers' hospitality enterprise is poised to cater to this niche, although details of their collaboration remain under wraps. Holman Draft Hall, first opened in 2017, is paving the path for what could set a new bar for the Midtown social ecosystem.
Rex Hospitality is not new to the scene. It ventured into the Houston market earlier over the summer with the brick-and-mortar opening of Maven Coffee + Cocktails at the Thompson Hotel off Allen Parkway. The Solarium's inception marks another diverse offering under McCullers' and Juan Carlos Martinez de Aldecoa’s direction, diversifying away from the standard sports bar atmosphere. This new space is tailored for those looking to "serve or be served" in an urban sanctuary engineered for both mental and physical rejuvenation without stepping out of the cityscape, as noted by the Chron.
As the Solarium prepares for its debut, the community's anticipation is palpable. With a restaurant and bar feature to satisfy the palate, coupled with the burgeoning popularity of pickleball and padel, the establishment is set to become a hotspot for Houstonians seeking a fresh, dynamic hangout. Stay tuned for more details as the project unfolds and the Solarium steps into the spotlight as Midtown's latest hotspot.
