Meow Wolf will officially bring its immersive, interactive art experience to Houston’s Fifth Ward in 2024 to a site at 2117 Opelousas St., Houston.
During a May 18 Houston City Council meeting, Council members passed an ordinance that allows for the construction, development and operation of the interactive entertainment venue.
As previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper, Meow Wolf creates experiences that “transport” visitors into stories and exploration through its immersive and interactive art.
According to the ordinance, Meow Wolf plans to use 32,242 square feet of a historic 115,000-square-foot warehouse that was built in 1917 with hopes of anchoring the redevelopment of complimentary retail, restaurants and art gallery spaces through tourism for local residents and visitors. The overall project is expected to cost the company $42 million.
District B Council Member Tarsha Jackson said she was worried about the project at first, but after she spoke with the company about job initiatives, she said she feels they have a "great community standard." Jackson said Meow Wolf plans to collaborate with different organizations to hire at-risk youth and interns. Once the project is completed, it is expected to create 127 full-time equivalent jobs, according to the ordinance.
Meow Wolf officials also plan to utilize local artists to give them an opportunity to showcase their talents, Jackson said. According to the ordinance, the company also plans to create an accessible public art piece near its site.
Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke about his excitement for the project, which he said he thinks will be good for the city’s tourism. Currently, Meow Wolf attracts visitors in three other cities—Santa Fe, Las Vegas and Denver—and has plans to open a Grapevine location in 2023. According to Turner, each location brings in 750,000 visitors annually.
“It has huge potential,” Turner said. ”Any time you can set something up that can attract, for example, as many as 750,000 visitors on an annual basis, is a significant item. I think it will spur additional investments around that area.”
