Demolition of historic Kirby mansion in Midtown halted by city over permit issue

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The historic Kirby mansion in Midtown was partially demolished Friday before city officials halted the work over permitting issues, according to preservationists.

The Kirby Mansion on Smith Street suffered significant damage, with a large section of its facade torn away and debris piled outside the property.

Neighbors told ABC13 they contacted the City of Houston after seeing demolition crews tearing down the home.

A city inspector later posted a red-tag stop-work order, citing a lack of the proper demolition permit. However, a neighbor told ABC13 the property owner subsequently obtained the required permit, potentially allowing demolition work to resume as early as Saturday.

Preservationists said the home was originally purchased by Texas lumber magnate John Henry Kirby in the 1890s and was remodeled into its current form in 1926. The mansion has long been considered a significant piece of Houston history.

The mansion hosted then-President George H.W. Bush and world leaders during the 1990 Economic Summit, according to advocates.

Activists who have been working to save the home said the partial demolition marks another loss of a historic structure in Houston.