Come out to downtown Conroe and visit us, bringing in music from across Texas. Great food and drinks and a fun new experience in Conroe, TX.
Pacific Yard House is Downtown Conroe's newest Restaurant and Live Music Entertainment Venue. After breathing new life into this historic structure (formerly Sparkle Ice), Pacific Yard House opened on September 1, 2017 featuring a large dining room; separate bar area; outdoor dining patio; and LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! In the coming months we hope to explore additional services! Come see us! We strive to exceed your expectations!
History of this historic building goes back to 1907! Located across from the railroad, the building was originally part of a 50-acre tract owned by an unspecified railroad interest back in 1907. Somewhere around 1942, Albert L. Johnson bought this particular half-acre parcel for $300 - along with several other neighboring lots. By this time, the original building was falling down, so Johnson constructed a 7000 square foot building. This building housed a wash house and dry cleaning operation on one side, while the other side became Jewell Ice - which was named after Johnson's wife.
Both were busy operations during this period and very prosperous. The icehouse was the primary source of block and bulk ice in the area. The laundry/dry cleaner part of the business contracted with the local hospital in Conroe that had only two sets of sheets per bed - requiring daily service.
It is unknown why - but the name of the icehouse was later changed to Sparkle Ice and was later purchased and taken over by Fairmont Foods. In addition to ice, a limited line of food staples, sundry items and frozen novelties were also sold.
Locals have told stories of watching ice hands pick up, move and deliver 50 and 100 pound blocks of ice back in the 50's and early 60's while waiting for the train to arrive. Many used to walk across the street to purchase snacks for their train ride! Additionally, stories have been told of men sitting around tables outside of Sparkle Ice drinking beer and telling their own tales!
By the late 70's, however, the business fell on hard times. It closed down and was slated for demolition. It was at that time a local resident , Pat Moritz and her business partner, Ron Boyd recognized the historic significance of this enchanted building. Ms. Moritz is also known for having saved a number of hand painted murals on the walls of the Old Liberty Theatre in downtown Conroe. Ms. Moritz and Mr. Boyd later purchased the building. Their original idea was to renovate it and build a restaurant. Unfortunately, Mr. Boyd passed away, so Ms. Moritz began renovating it herself. In 2011, The Conroe Sparkle Event Center made it's debut. The event center operated until 2016 when it closed permanently. As this venue never had a roof, and was an open air event facility - slow deterioration has occurred.
In March 2017, local businessman and entrepreneur, Mike Postel purchased the building and began MAJOR renovations, including adding a roof to the venue! The outside integrity of the building will remains, along with the original Sparkle Ice logo on the side of the building.
Come one, come all - to PACIFIC YARD HOUSE! We strive to exceed your expectations!
