Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on the Request by Andrew Harris for Approval of a Historic Marker for the Property Located at 514 West Hunt Street
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: October 6, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning Department
CONTACT: Cassie Bumgarner, Historic Preservation Planner
Paula Jarrett Nasta, AIA, Planning Manager
RECOMMENDED HPAB ACTION:
• Staff recommends approval of this Historic Marker Application.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The applicant requests approval of a Historic Marker under the HNIZ Program property at 514 W Hunt Street.
• To be eligible for a historic marker under the HNIZ program, residential properties must meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the program, provide specific information with the historic marker application.
• Staff has reviewed the request and has found that it meets the minimum eligibility requirements of the HINZ program for a historic marker.
• Specifically, the applicant must provide the following with an application for a historic marker:
o A written documented history.
o Verification that the building is a minimum of 50 years of age.
o Verification that the residential property is located within the HNIZ boundary.
o Photo documentation of all four elevations using black and white or color photographs and copies of any available historic photographs.
o Legal description of the property with a location map.
o Site plan of the property shall be provided, if available.
o Additional information as deemed necessary by the Director of Planning or their designee.
• The home is listed as a high priority building in the 2015 Update of the Historic Resources 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.
Construction and Alterations to the property:
• Built circa 1917 as a two-story, wood-frame structure is built on pier-and-beam foundation.
• In about 1920 the dining room was extended several feet to the east
• Circa 1965 the eastern portion of what was a wrap-around porch and a rear porch were enclosed
• Garage/carport connected to the rear of the residence in 2000.
• A 2021 rehabilitation project included:
o Removal of vinyl siding and aluminum frame windows
o Installation of energy efficient 3 over 1 windows
o Repair of roof and gutters
o Installing Hardie siding and Hardie shingles on dormer
o Reinstallation a window that had been covered
o Caulking and painting
History of the home and people associated with the property:
• Successful, local contractor Arthur W. Dowlen bought the property in 1913 and constructed a home on it before 1916. Dowlen’s portfolio of work includes at least two brick buildings near the McKinney Square and dozens of residences.
• Dowlen was most popular between 1905 and 1915. His popularity and success in McKinney allowed him to move to Dallas in 1920.
• In March of 1916 at 25-years-old, Mavet Thomas purchased a lot and home from Dowlen at 514 W Hunt Street. The original deed is in her name alone.
• Mavet Thomas and Horace Neilson married on August 7, 1917. Eight months later, Horace was a Lieutenant in the Army, training at Camp Pike in Arkansas. Briefly during his training, Mavet moved to Arkansas to be with him.
• After returning from WWI, Horace became partner in the firm that would take on the name Hughston & Neilson.
• From the 1920s through the late 1950s, Horace held many different jobs as an attorney, such as City Attorney, County Attorney, judge, and working in private practice. He retired in 1959 after another stint of being City Attorney from 1947 to 1959.
• Horace and Mavet passed away in 1971 after being owners of the property for 54 years. The home exchanged hands several times in the years after that.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The Historic Neighborhood Improvement Zone (HNIZ) Program was established in 2008 for the purpose of preserving the city’s unique and historic neighborhoods while encouraging property owners to maintain and/or rehabilitate residential properties and structures.
• The HNIZ Program includes a three-tiered incentive structure whereby residential properties that meet specified criteria are eligible to receive ad valorem tax exemptions on city taxes for a designated period of time.
• To be eligible for an HNIZ Program incentive, the following minimum general requirements apply:
o The property shall be located within the HNIZ Program area.
o The property shall be owner-occupied and shall maintain a homestead exemption from the Collin Central Appraisal District for the life of the incentive period.
o Verified, eligible improvements shall have received all necessary permits and approvals, including COAs.
o The structure, accessory structures, grounds, property elements and building elements with their materials and finishes have been maintained in good repair and in operable condition.
o There are no pending code violations.
o The total ad valorem taxes owed to the city must be current and paid on time.
• The historic marker is one of the requirements for the Marker Level incentive of the HNIZ program.
• Under Ordinance #2022-03-036, if the HPAB approves the Marker, the applicant will be responsible for purchasing and displaying the Historic Marker.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Not Available.