Help Save the Funplex From Becoming a Data Center
Stop the Houston Funplex From Turning Into a Data Center!
Hello people of Tumblr. I am desperate. The Houston Funplex, a 40 year old, 200,000 square foot amusement center is turning into a data center, and the auction to liquidate all of its equipment starts in 1 week. To put it bluntly, the Funplex is my favorite place in the world. This place is the reason for my obsession with liminal spaces, and even in adulthood, I've come here frequently. The Funplex closed temporarily for renovations back in December 2024, but somewhere along the way, the owner died and his children sold it to a company called "13700 Data LLC." or "Kota Data LLC", managed by Brett J. Miles.
This exchange happened quietly (likely on purpose) and over the Summer in June. I got wind of this in early July from an architecture forum and an Instagram comment from someone who had recently installed security cameras in the building. I acted fast - I created social media profiles, including reddit, tiktok, Instagram and twitter to share the news and bring awareness. My goal was to get mainstream media attention in hopes a big-name Houston celebrity or entrepreneur could save it. I ended up creating a petition too, and now it has nearly 400 signatures. We've been able to get mainstream (local) attention, but the owner(s) are still silent and impossible to get ahold of. The more this story gets boosted, the better.
The Houston Funplex is surrounded by homes, churches, and schools. This part of Alief is limited economically and recreationally. Funplex was the first ever indoor theme park/mall in America, and it was created by an Iranian immigrant, Dari Ansari. He had a fiery passion to put smiles on and create countless memories for families, children, and Houstonians of all ages. This is a robbery and nobody is happy about it. For thousands, including myself, this will be traumatic. Our city is currently the poorest, and with mental illness becoming a bigger issue as the years go on, another place like this to be taken away from us is absurd and selfish. I ask that you sign, share, and if applicable, leave comments with your thoughts. The petition is below. Thank you!
