New Public Golf Course with Restaurant, Patio to Debut in Fifth Ward

New Public Golf Course with Restaurant, Patio to Debut in Fifth Ward

An aerial view of East River 9, situated along Buffalo Bayou / rendering courtesy Sterling Illustration

Houston's Fifth Ward will soon be home to a nine-hole, par-three golf course and an accompanying family-friendly restaurant and patio bar that will provide residents of the historic neighborhood with some much-needed outdoor recreational space in addition to expanded employment opportunities.

Construction started in May on the new golf course, dubbed East River 9, and from-scratch kitchen concept Riverhouse Houston, both of which are being developed by Houston-based firm Midway for its 150-acre East River project along Buffalo Bayou. Midway plans on officially opening the exciting community-oriented project, which is working with entities like Fifth Ward's Phillis Wheatley High School to ensure it creates an inclusive environment for members of the community, early next year.

"Our objective is to create an inviting and recreational environment for the local community as well as all Houstonians," said Clayton Freels, founding partner of the concepts, in a statement. "East River 9 will grow the game by filling a void in the market between the driving range and the full 18-hole experience. It also brings a fun, community-oriented activation that will welcome neighboring residents to a site that has been closed to the public for over 75 years."

When it opens, East River 9 will be the only public, nine-hole, par-three golf course inside the Loop. Its holes range from 80 to 150 yards, and it will also be home to a 300-yard driving range sporting a skyline view, plus a 12,000 square-foot social putting green and a well stocked pro shop.

Charitable foundation PGA REACH will also be working with the new golf course to find ways to use the facility to make a positive impact on the lives of local youths, active and retired members of the military, and other individuals who call the neighborhood home.

Meanwhile, the development's Riverhouse Houston restaurant will serve both food and beverages — expect a well rounded bar, wine and spirits menu — to players and area residents alike. Made out of a repurposed industrial structure, the restaurant will tout an expansive terrace with firepits, a kids playscape and fun outdoor games, all meant to be enjoyed while soaking in the view of Buffalo Bayou and the Downtown skyline. Riverhouse Houston will be able to accommodate more than 1,000 people and over 300 parked cars, making it a perfect setting for corporate, social and charity events.

Construction on the golf course and accompanying restaurant, jointly executed by firms including Smelek Design, VM Golf, Sterling Golf and MaRS, commenced in May of this year. The entire facility is on track to open by the first quarter of 2022.

People + Places
Thrive & Inspire: At Orion, O’Brien and Patel's Focus Is ‘Families We Transport Every Day’

ORION EMS Vice President Sumi Patel and President/CEO & Founder Gerard O'Brien

DESCRIBE YOUR HIGHLIGHT of 2022. A continuation of our values, our leadership within the industry and the commitment to quality that our customers have come to expect. We remain on a growth trajectory within Houston and are happy to continue to expand our customer base by providing quality care.

Keep Reading Show less

Jessica and Ryan Getz, Grace Ward

HOUSTON NONPROFIT Dec My Room threw a country-music-filled bash at House of Blues, where supporters two-stepped the night away and raised record-breaking proceeds, which will be used to decorate and customize hospital rooms of pediatric and young-adult patients all over the country. To date, the organization has improved the attitudes and healing process of 18,000 patients in nearly 200 hospitals.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

THE STANDARD BEARER FOR LUXURY

We built The Village communities to exemplify sophisticated retirement living in Houston, surrounded by the heritage neighborhood of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Southampton. Each offers impeccable designer finishes and Aspenwood service detail with dining and resortstyle amenities making them premier locations for discerning Houstonians and their families. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, generous natural light, and expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful spaces are designed for entertaining, fitness, and relaxation with a dedicated team to provide a secure lock and leave lifestyle for our members.

Keep Reading Show less