You will need to check with the manufacture of gas fireplace for the clearance they require. Removing the brick is not a problem, but maintaining clearance is essential. Check the manufacture and local code and go from there. A chimney sweep or mason who deals with a lot of fireplaces might be able to answer the questions also.

owlnsr - I know this post is about a year old but the topic is pertinent to me. We have a brick fireplace with a pellet insert. I can bring the mantel down about 5 inches and still meet code and manufacturer's clearance specs.

Did you go through with the project? Any tips or photos?

Thanks - Jacob

No , you do not have clearance to combustibles for a wood burning stove. Put the tv up high. You wont risk burning it out because the heat is not deflected enough. Or turn your mantle into stone and you can lower it wherever , but still need to protect tv.

Why would stone make it ok to lower the tv?

Any updates did you lower fireplace?