Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on the Request by Alyssa Fernandez for Approval of a Historic Marker for the Property Located at 1211 W Hunt Street
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: June 4, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning Department
CONTACT: Rayna Alam, Historic Preservation Planner I
Cassie Bumgarner, Planning Manager
RECOMMENDED HPAB ACTION:
• Staff recommends approval of this request
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The applicant requests approval of a Historic Marker under the HNIZ Program for the property located at 1211 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.
• 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 A site plan of the property shall be provided, if available.
o Additional information as deemed necessary by the Director of Planning or their designee.
• Staff has reviewed the request and has found that it meets the minimum eligibility requirements of the HINZ program for a historic marker.
The home is listed as a Low priority building in the 2023 Historic Resources Survey.
Definition of Low Priority: Typifies a common local building form, architectural style or type, with no identified historical associations; is a moderate to severely altered resource with reversible modifications that exemplifies a distinctive building type or architectural style.
Construction and alterations to the property:
• The Ralph Agee House was built in 1946 in the Minimal Traditional Style
• Wood frame
• Pier-and-beam foundation
• Front and side gables
• There have been no major alterations to the original structure
History of the home and people associated with the property:
• The Southwestern Investment Company bought several parcels of land and built 15 homes, including the one at 2111 W Hunt, in 1946
• Ralph & Nancy Agee purchased the home brand new in 1946 for $7,500 and lived there until 1954
• Olive Gay purchased the home in 1954 and rented it to her grandson John Gay and wife Judy
• John Gay was mayor of McKinney from 1991-1997
• The John & Judy Gay Library is named for them
• Olive Gay sold the property to William Coffman in 1962
• Coffman died the following year but his heirs held the property for 6 years before selling it to Edna & Rutha Mae Buchanan
Current owners Alyssa & Davis Fernandez purchased the home in 2025
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• 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.
• 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.