Historic Houston Mansion Demolished for Gas Station, Sparking Outrage
A 100-year-old Tudor Revival home, one of the last in its neighborhood, was torn down despite preservationists' attempts to intervene.
An historic 100-year-old mansion in Houston, Texas, has been demolished to make way for a gas station, drawing outrage from local residents and preservation groups.
Demolition crews began tearing down the Kirby Mansion at 200 Smith Street on Friday. The Tudor Revival home, a rarity in the city, had stood for over a century. Despite its age and architectural significance, the property lacked official historical designation.
Locals expressed surprise at the demolition, as permits issued for the site were only for sewer disconnection, a precursor to demolition. An asbestos abatement was also scheduled to take place through November 6.
Public records indicate that OB Texas Properties LLC, with Omair Bashir listed as its registered agent, purchased the property around October 1. Preservation Houston, a non-profit organization, sought to meet with the new owners to discuss preservation options.
"We wish the owner had been transparent and honest about the plans for this property and willing to discuss preservation options," Jennifer Kapral, Executive Director of Preservation Houston, told the Daily Mail. "We offered to explore ways to give this building a future. We also asked for the opportunity to document it and discuss salvaging irreplaceable materials if demolition went ahead. We received no response. Houston deserves better than this."
Demolition was halted midway through on Friday for reasons that remain unclear. Kapral suggested the stoppage might be due to a lack of proper permits.
"But I mean, you can see from the images, a lot has already been lost," she told Houston Public Media. Witnesses reported seeing a bookshelf on the second floor during demolition, indicating the house may not have been fully cleared.
Eric Lezias, a Houston resident, recalled the building from his childhood and expressed sadness at its destruction. "It really is sad to see it gone, but it's how it is in this city. They're tearing down stuff that's ancient," he said.
Kapral indicated that the property is likely slated to become a gas station and convenience store, based on permit information.
The original house on the site was built in 1894 by J.S. Price. Lumber mogul John Henry Kirby later purchased the property and rebuilt it into the mansion that is now being demolished. The home was one of the last remaining structures from the old South End neighborhood.