Vigil marks damaged Kirby Mansion

Neighbors and preservationists gathered outside the Kirby mansion in Midtown on Sunday to hold a vigil for the historic structure. The event followed the start of a partial demolition that began on Friday. City officials halted the work over permitting issues, according to local preservation groups.

Jason Fuller, a resident nearby, witnessed the initial demolition on Friday. He said he attempted to stop the crew while an excavator arm moved across the site. Fuller recalled the machine moving up and down as it worked its way through the property. He described a tense exchange with the site supervisor, who repeatedly told him to leave the premises.

Residents contacted the City of Houston after observing crews tearing down the home. A city inspector subsequently issued a red-tag stop-work order. The order cited the absence of a proper demolition permit. However, one neighbor noted that the property owner had secured the required permit. That approval could allow demolition work to resume.

Local historian Mister McKinney organized the vigil through his group, Mister McKinney's Historic Houston. McKinney stated the mansion holds deep ties to Houston history. He cited visits by former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. McKinney expressed hope to work with the owner to save the remaining structure. He said the event aims to spark broader preservation activism in the city.

The property traces its ownership to Texas lumber tycoon John Henry Kirby. Kirby purchased the home in the 1890s. He remodeled it into its current form in 1926. ABC13 contacted the current property owner for details on the project and the lack of preservation efforts. The outlet is awaiting a response.

Fuller described the vigil as a farewell to the Gilded Age mansion. He said the gathering serves as a reminder for society to improve preservation practices. He emphasized the need for property owners and preservationists to collaborate.

The mansion stands at the intersection of West Gray Street and West Gray Street in Midtown. The red-tag order remains active pending further review. The property owner has not yet announced next steps for the site.