Houston Demolishes Historic Kirby Mansion Without Permit
City officials halted demolition work after crews lacked the required demolition permit, though the mansion was ultimately fully razed.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Houston crews fully demolished the Kirby Mansion, a 19th-century Tudor Revival home, early Monday. City officials had halted the demolition work because crews lacked a demolition permit.
Why it matters
The demolition highlights gaps between property transactions and the city's permitting process for significant older structures. The mansion had no historic landmark designation, which limited protections for the property.
The city issued a plumbing permit for sewer disconnection on Oct. 14, and an inspection six days later found outstanding corrections that had not been cleared when demolition began on Oct. 30. Whether a demolition permit was later obtained or what penalties may follow remains unclear.
The players
OB Texas Properties LLC
The entity that purchased the Kirby Mansion property in late September and is owned by Omair Bashir.
BrakeTime Corner Market
A gas station and convenience store chain co-owned by brothers Omair and Usman Bashir, with Omair serving as president.
The details
The property was sold in late September to OB Texas Properties LLC, which is owned by Omair Bashir, whose business interests include the Brake Time gas station chain. A representative with Brake Time did not respond to questions for comment.
Timeline
Late September: Property sold to OB Texas Properties LLC.
Oct. 14: City issued plumbing permit for sewer disconnection.
Oct. 30: Demolition began; city halted work over missing permit.
Monday, Nov. 2: Mansion fully demolished early Monday.
Nov. 4: A City Council meeting is scheduled.
Home Context
Because the Kirby Mansion had no historic landmark designation, it lacked the formal protections that landmarked Houston properties receive before demolition. The case shows how an unprotected 19th-century Tudor Revival home can be removed once permit requirements are met or missed.
Houston homeowners planning renovations or demolitions of older properties should confirm all required permits are issued before work begins. Crews who proceed without a valid permit risk a city-ordered halt mid-project.
The takeaway
Verifying permits before any demolition or major renovation can prevent costly stop-work orders. Property buyers of older homes should also check landmark status early in the purchase process.
What happens next
A City Council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 4 to address the demolition.
Further reading
Explore more on Home Renovation to see how permits and property transfers shape older Houston homes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Houston Chronicle.
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