Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on the Request by Teri Mills-Manuel for Approval of a Historic Marker for the Property Located at 418 W Virginia 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 BOARD ACTION:
• Staff recommends approval of this Historic Marker Application.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The applicant requests approval of a Historic Marker under the HNIZ Program for the property at 418 W Virginia 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 medium 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:
• This house was built circa 1913 as a one-story, wood-frame structure on a pier-and-beam foundation.
o The house is constructed in the American Foursquare style.
o It was originally built as 6-room rental property.
o Became owner-occupied home in 1919.
• Between 1920-1927, a rear porch was added to the home.
• A 2020 addition project included:
o Addition to the rear that added 2 bedrooms, a bath, and a walk-in closet
o Relocation of front dormer to center, was previously off center to the right
o Front porch restoration
o Windows to be restored, if possible; if not, replaced to match existing
o Siding maintenance
o Period appropriate front door installed
• A 2021 addition project included:
o A new breezeway connecting the rear addition to the existing garage
o A 1081 sq ft addition connected to the north elevation of the existing garage
History of the home and people associated with the property:
• By 1902, there was a home on the lot. The property was owned by brothers Harry and Clarence Smith, who managed the Smith Drug Store. They were forced to declare bankruptcy, but able to sell some property to Harry’s wife’s brothers department store owner James Merritt and County Judge Robert Merritt.
• In 1912, James Merritt sold the tract on West Virginia Street to attorney William R. Abernathy and his brother-in-law K.D. Thompson.
• Circa 1913 the partners demolished the original house on the lot and built the home that exists today.
• This home was sold to William Pruett in 1919. Pruett was a successful dealer and maker of funeral monuments. Pruett family occupied the home until 1926, at which time it became a rental again until 1936.
• In 1936, the Pruett’s other home on North Waddill Street burned down so they moved back into 418 W Virginia.
• William Pruett passed away in 1940, but his widow Ida Mae continued to live in the home until her death in June of 1969.
• At the time of his passing, William Pruett has managed his business for 29 years. Following his death, his wife Ida Mae became the owner of the business with his son Carlos as the manager. The business closed in 1951 after 40 years of continuous business.
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