Kirby Mansion Demolition Ends After Brief Permit Dispute
Work resumed on Monday following a Friday halt, leaving the 19th-century structure in the South End neighborhood largely destroyed.
By Marta Gray ·
Demolition crews completed the removal of the historic Kirby Mansion on Monday, ending a brief halt caused by a permit dispute. The structure, located in the South End neighborhood, was partially torn down Friday before a city inspector intervened.
The sequence began last week when neighbor James Fuller observed a crane operating on the building. Fuller stated that several residents contacted city officials to stop the work. A city inspector subsequently issued a red tag on the property, citing the absence of a demolition permit. Another neighbor countered that the current owner possessed a valid permit, which authorized the continuation of the demolition.
Preservationists organized a vigil the night before the final phase of demolition. The event was led by Mister McKinney’s Historic Houston. Advocates described the mansion as a landmark that had hosted prominent figures, including former presidents George H.W. Bush and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as other world leaders.
Reporters who visited the site on Monday described the scene as having little remaining of the original structure. The property owner has not yet responded to inquiries regarding plans for the land following the completion of the demolition.
