We’re getting together for a happy hour for all Preservation Houston and Pier & Beam members on the evening of Thursday, March 13, and we’d love to see you there!
This informal gathering is a great chance to unwind, catch up with PH members and share our passion for preservation at Marquis II, 2631 Bissonnet Street — a longtime Houston favorite with a surprising architectural history. We’ll be there from 6 to 8 p.m.
Marquis II has been serving Houston since 1945, starting in a storefront in the River Oaks Shopping Center on West Gray. Its current home, a 1955 building designed by Lars Bang and Lucian T. Hood, was built for The Big Donut, a popular coffee shop. Original plans called for a giant donut-shaped balloon floating six stories above the building, but persistent leaks kept it grounded. The property later housed the Bunny Club, a gentlemen’s club that operated until a fire in the early 1980s.
Marquis II moved into the space 40 years ago, and today it’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and its signature Texas Tea, a potent house cocktail that comes in 13 different flavors. Be sure to look for the mural near the front door — a remnant of the Bunny Club that survived the fire and adds another layer to the building’s colorful history.
Whether you’ve been a PH member for years or are just getting involved, this is a great chance to meet others who share your enthusiasm for Houston’s history and architecture. You’ll also have a chance to chat with us about our work, upcoming events and the latest preservation news, all in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Feel free to bring a friend or two who might be interested in Preservation Houston. And remember, the evening will be casual: Come when you can, leave when you’re ready and pick up your own tab.
Kindly RSVP to help us plan this event. We look forward to seeing you March 13!