Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on the Request by Robert Smith for Approval of a Historic Marker for the Property Located at 215 North Morris Street.
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: December 1, 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 215 North Morris 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 in 1915 as a 1-story, wood-frame and brick structure on pier-and-beam foundation
• Character defining features include:
o Front-facing gable covered porch wrapping the southeast corner of the home.
o Square columns with brick bases.
o Low-pitched gable roofs with exposed rafter tails supporting extended eaves and knee bracing
• Circa 1953 the home had louvered shutters enclosing the southern porch and a large trellis attached to the front of the home. These are no longer extant.
• The two brick chimneys shown in a 1953 photo have been removed as well
• Circa 1984, internal changes were made and the historic sleeping porch was enclosed.
History of the home and people associated with the property:
• Fred S. Coffey bought the property in 1914 for $1,000 from Robert L. Waddill, Jr.
• Fred and his brother Otto operated a confections business on the northwest corner of the square at the time. Their father provided the financial backing for this business, The Alcove.
• Fred hired contractor Arthur W. Dowlen to build the Craftsman-style bungalow that stands there today.
o Note: Dowlen is found in the historical records as both Dowlen and Dowlin. For the staff report, Dowlen is used.
• Arthur W. Dowlen used this property in his advertisements. Dowlen’s portfolio of work includes at least two brick buildings near the McKinney Square and dozens of residences. He was a prominent builder in McKinney from 1905 to 1915.
• Fred S. Coffey and his wife Helen continued living in the home for their entire lives, also inviting Helen’s brother John Hazel Gerrish to live with them long-term.
• Fred later sold The Alcove to buy 209 North Kentucky Street. This became the home of the Coffey Brothers Drug Store. After his brother Otto’s death in 1929, he renamed the business to the Coffey Drug Store.
• In 1935 the business moved to the southeast corner of the square to 100 North Tennessee. The business continued its successful operation until 1965 when Fred passed away.
• Helen continued living at the Morris home until her death in 1984. Since then, the home has had three owners.
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:
• None.