Discover 713 Music Hall, a post office turned concert venue

Houston’s 713 Music Hall burst onto the scene in 2021 with an inaugural concert headlined by the legendary Willie Nelson & Family. Since then, this dynamic concert venue has become a magnet for music enthusiasts, attracting a rotating roster of top-tier performers, including Rosalia, Lil Nas X, Judas Priest, Khruangbin and many more.

Located adjacent to Post Houston, one of downtown’s hottest entertainment destinations, 713 Music Hall has undeniably reshaped the city’s music landscape, offering unforgettable experiences for fans of all genres.

Beyond its reputation as a premier stage for emerging and established artists, this remarkable venue offers an experience far beyond the music. Find out more about its storied cultural past, meticulously crafted design and why every aspect of 713 Music Hall has been carefully considered to enhance the overall experience.

713 Music Hall, located within the east wing of Post Houston, is a historic landmark known for its fascinating past. Initially constructed in 1934 as a train depot adjacent to Houston’s Grand Central Station, this architectural gem took on a new role in 1959 when it became the United States Postal Service (USPS) headquarters, later opening its doors to the public in 1961. In honor of Barbara Jordan, the first female African American congresswoman from the South, the post office was renamed the Barbara Jordan Post Office during the mid-1980s.

While the post office changed over the years, it now stands as a testament to its rich history and distinctive features. Designed by the esteemed architectural firm Wilson, Morris, Crain & Anderson, the same visionaries behind the iconic Astrodome, the structure was built during a time of heightened tension between the United States and the USSR amid the Cold War. In a bold display of America’s industrial might, the architects constructed the building to meet FBI security standards, resulting in a formidable layout that included multiple on-site nuclear bomb shelters. Today, visitors can still marvel at the untouched, imposing columns that serve as a reminder of the building’s original purpose.

Among its original architectural elements, the post office boasts “spy tunnels” or lookout galleries, a truly unique feature that allowed USPS supervisors to discreetly observe workers without being detected. Another element that has been carefully preserved is the elevated public plaza, which was initially built as a hub for hosting public events and celebrations. Notably, when the building opened in 1961, the grand opening celebration took place in the plaza and included lions on loan from the Houston Zoo.

The renowned architecture firm OMA New York was selected as the principal design firm to turn the historic Barbara Jordan Post Office into a state-of-the-art 5,000-seat music venue. Preserving the building’s original charm was a top priority for OMA New York’s design team, who worked diligently to safeguard and restore numerous architectural elements, including the original paint and signage that define the venue’s unique character. The design team also incorporated thoughtful details that celebrate the region’s cultural identity.

In the lobby, which is a visual experience in and of itself, guests will notice aluminized fabric heat shields reminiscent of those used by NASA. The custom-made bar is the focal point of the lobby and was made by Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis as a glowing homage to the space industry. On the lobby walls, there are stainless steel grids held in place by cattle fence insulators, a nostalgic reference to Texas’s farming and ranching history. 

Guests will also notice a rich color palette of blues throughout the venue, including a custom color created especially for 713 Music Hall, located in the second-level seating area. Anything not original to the building was intentionally painted a different color to make it stand out as a new addition. 

The multi-layered performance venue offers a carefully crafted seating arrangement across three levels. The main seating area accommodates general admission, ensuring a dynamic atmosphere for the audience. Additionally, stepped seating arrangements flank the rear and sides of the venue, providing optimal views of the stage from various angles.

Below the main seating areas, guests will discover a series of inviting lounge and bar spaces. These areas allow concertgoers to momentarily retreat from the performances, providing an opportunity for intimate conversations or a cocktail. Jason Long, OMA partner and principal architect for the project, emphasizes the intention to create spaces that foster a sense of personal connection. He told Chron he envisioned an experience similar to “sitting under the bleachers at a high school football game.”

Not only does the design of 713 Music Hall prioritize the audience experience, it also considers the vantage point of the stage performers. All stairs and aisles within the venue are strategically angled to conceal them from the performers’ line of sight, fostering an immersive connection with the audience.  

Music enthusiasts can find a full menu of snacks and drinks at the performance venue. And, 713 Music Hall has strategically placed bars throughout, so guests can easily access refreshments, no matter where they are seated.

Those looking for a more elevated concert experience can visit Kashmere Lounge. Situated on the top floor and paying homage to Houston’s legendary Kashmere High School stage band, this stylish speakeasy lounge offers a luxurious VIP setting. In addition to a large bar, Kashmere Lounge has a sophisticated menu of Southern cuisine curated by chef Dawn Burrell, a recent contestant on “Top Chef.” The menu features delectable bites such as Houston hot chicken, brisket sliders and brisket macaroni and cheese fritters.

Kashmere Lounge has a series of murals by Houston artist Jasmine Zelaya and arched niches with plush velvet benches. The seating areas are treated with acoustic materials to ensure optimal sound quality for quiet conversations and a retreat from the lively experience outside the VIP doors.

For those looking for even more VIP access, the Post Master Lounge inside Kashmere Lounge is reserved solely for ultra-exclusive events and accessible by invitation only.

Find it: 713 Music Hall, 401 Franklin St., Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77201; 832-204-6920

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at [email protected].