Houston's 132-year-old Kirby Mansion demolished despite preservation protests
The 36-room Tudor Revival home at 2000 Smith St. may be replaced by a gas station and convenience store.
The 132-year-old Kirby Mansion in Houston was demolished after crews began work without a required permit, according to a report by the Times of India.
Demolition started on Friday, but city inspectors halted the process after discovering the crew lacked authorization. Crews had already destroyed approximately half of the 36-room Tudor Revival building before the halt. The owner obtained a demolition permit later that day, and by Monday, Nov 2, the mansion had been reduced to rubble.
The property was purchased in late September by OB Texas Properties LLC, a company owned by Omair Bashir. While Bashir's business interests include the Brake Time gas station chain, he and his companies did not comment on redevelopment plans. Filings suggest the site could be used for a convenience store and gas station, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Preservationists had argued the building was historically significant, noting visitors such as former presidents George H.W. Bush and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
However, the mansion never received a formal historic landmark designation, which left it without that specific layer of protection.
Preservation Houston Executive Director Jennifer Kapral said the building had significant history and craftsmanship. She noted that based on permits, the structure is being lost to a gas station and convenience store. Kapral added that the group is looking at policy changes and working with advocacy groups to address the culture in the city.