Published in Houston Chronicle
Contractor: Mission Constructors
Structural Engineer: Fractal
Interiors: Gin Design Group
Photography: Cameron Blaylock
Goodnight Charlie's is located in the middle of Houston's Montrose neighborhood on a strange, triangulated, virgin lot. Recognizing the departure from it's rural cousin, the honky-tonk reworks itself to its city slicker demographic. Two primary forms negotiate the site's odd shape. A low, concrete block structure following the angled property line contains the back of house utility, kitchen, and storage programs. In contrast, a simple, modern barn-like structure peels away from the raw concrete block to house the main dance and bar area. The "barn" is clad in rough cedar that nods to the fences dotting the Texas countryside. The cedar envelope transforms into an open air screen that defines the entry and front porch. In the evening, the porch screen glows and performs as the building's main signage, compensating for the building's deep setback from the eclectic Westheimer thoroughfare. Situated between Montrose's primary nightlife hub and a quiet residential enclave, careful acoustic considerations were given to minimize sound pollution without compromising the bar's interior sound performance. The interior maintains a no-frills palette under a large vaulted roof. Aged plywood combines with raw steel and concrete, and of course, a wood dance floor for two-stepping.