Title
Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on the Request by Sharon M. Daerr, for Approval of a Historic Marker for the House Located at 105 North Benge Street
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in Downtown McKinney
MEETING DATE: March 3, 2016
DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT: Guy R. Giersch, Historic Preservation Officer
Matt Robinson, AICP, Planning Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending approval of a historic marker for 105 North Benge Street.
PRIORITY RATING: The property is listed as a high priority building according to the 2015 Update of the Historic Resource Survey. A high priority building contributes significantly to local history or broader historical patterns; is an outstanding or unique example of architecture, engineering or crafted design; retains a significant portion of its original character and contextual integrity; meets, in some cases, criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and/or is eligible for a Texas Historical Marker.
ITEM SUMMARY: On February 5, 2016 the applicant submitted the necessary documentation to apply for a Historic Marker for the house located at 105 North Benge Street (also known as the Largent House).
The purpose of the Historic Marker Program is to encourage owners of historic properties to become actively involved in the preservation of McKinney’s historic past through the recognition of historic events, people, and architecture. The applicant has submitted a written narrative relating the history of the various families that have owned the property or resided at 105 North Benge Street and the role they played in McKinney’s history.
The Joe Largent House was built by J. Ed Michael in 1925. It is an example of a subcategory of the Tudor Revival Style called the Cotswold Style which is modeled after the English Cottage Style that is part of the Tudor building tradition.
The house is a two story masonry structure on a pier-and-beam foundation. The interior floors are either slate or oak. As far as anyone knows the house has changed little.
The Largent’s lived in the house until 1976. The house was obtained by the Pilkenton’s and lived there until 1992. They converted the attic into a chapel. A fireplace and the addition of heat and air were the only other changes made to this otherwise almost complete home.
Historical Figures Associated with the House:
• Joseph Ephenia Largent, Jr. (1884-1963) was born to Jennie and Joseph Largent Sr. Joseph Jr. Joe was educated back east at the Bingham Military School in Ashville North Carolina. After completing his education at the Bingham School he travelled about the US eventually moving back home to McKinney, married Pearl Sanders in 1910, to become a partner in the mule trading business with Joe W. Barnes. He remained a partner with Joe Barnes until 1918.
• The money from the sale of the mule business allowed Joe to invest in a wide array of McKinney businesses. In 1920, Joe teamed up with banker Fred Emerson to buy and sell real estate. Joe’s business interests would diversify greatly.
• In the early 1930’s Joe ran for Mayor against Tom Perkins. He was elected and held the office for one term. During his term he improved Highway 75 and expanded the City’s water supply.
• Joe was very civic minded. He oversaw the Boyd School Fund developed by Mrs. Boyd which helped educate individuals who did not have money to continue their education.
• Joe was a Mason, a Lion, an Elk, an Elder in the First Christion Church, a founding member of the Trolley Club, president of the Hill Crest Country Club, Chamber of Commerce director, and donated land for a Boy Scout Park.
• Joe died in 1963 and his wife Pearl lived for another 13 years. Pearl was a vocal performer and long-time member and president of the Owl
Club. She was an excellent public speaker. Her abilities were so remarkable that the Courier-Gazette published that perhaps she should run for Mayor.
ASSESSMENT: Staff believes that the applicant has met all of the requirements to obtain a Historic Marker under the Historic Neighborhood Improvement Zone Program (Ordinance 2013-11-110). Therefore, Staff is recommending approval of a Historic Marker for 105 North Benge Street.
Under Ordinance 2013-11-110, if the HPAB approves the Marker, the applicant will be responsible for purchasing and displaying the Historic Marker.
Also, under Ordinance 2013-11-110, if the HPAB approves the Marker, the applicant may make application for a Level 1 tax exemption (100% exemption of the City’s ad valorem taxes for a period of 7 years) providing the building has architectural integrity, has been properly rehabilitated/restored and maintained, and is a residential building.
ATTACHMENTS:
• City Historic Building Marker Application
• 105 N. Benge History
• 105 N. Benge Photos