The Ismaili Center Opens in Houston: A Community Hub for All

A New Community Hub in Houston

• 📍 The new Ismaili Center has opened in Houston, marking the seventh such center globally and the first in the United States.
• 🤝 It is described as a stunning community center built by Ismaili Muslims, a branch of Islam, and is open to all.

Design and Accessibility

• 🌳 The center is surrounded by 9 acres of gardens featuring native Texas plants, outdoor seating, fountains, and walking paths, all designed to be stroller and wheelchair accessible.
• 🏛️ Inside, visitors are met with soaring open spaces intended to reflect the Ismaili outlook of individual personal search for connection with the divine.
• 🎨 While there is a prayer space for services, over 90% of the facility is dedicated to other uses, including a blackbox theater, art gallery, conference rooms, recital space, cafe, and classrooms.

Construction and Resilience

• 💰 The development and construction were primarily funded by His Highness The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community.
• 🏗️ The 150,000 square foot building sits on 11 acres, with construction beginning in 2021 after land was purchased in 2006.
• 🌊 To address concerns from previous flooding by Hurricane Harvey, the gardens have a significant slope, and the building is situated above the 200-year flood plain, with a basement level designed to flood.

Inclusive Vision

• 👩‍🏫 The project's design architect, Farid Musafi, was chosen by His Highness, contrasting with fundamentalist Muslim sects that restrict women's education and work.
• 🎟️ Admission to the Ismaili Center and its activities is free, with ample parking provided in a 600-space garage.