Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on the Request by Magda Dia & Thomas T Tolan for Approval of a Historic Marker for the Property Located at 404 N Church Street
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: August 6, 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 Historic Marker application.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The applicant requests approval of a Historic Marker under the HNIZ Program for the property located at 404 N Church 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 high priority building in the 2023 Historic Resources Survey. High priority is defined as contributing 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 or is eligible for a Texas Historical Marker.
Construction and alterations to the property:
• The Honeymoon House was constructed c. 1914-1916
• Wood frame and pier-and-beam foundation
• Both Mr. and Mrs. Craig were involved in the home’s design
• Exterior largely unchanged since construction
History of the home and people associated with the property:
• Original house built as a wedding gift for Thomas and Kathryn Heard Craig by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Heard and was thus dubbed “Honeymoon House”
• Thomas Craig came to McKinney in 1907 to institute the city’s first electric system and Interurban
• Kathryn Craig was a charter member of the McKinney Art Club and served as President of the Owl Club
• Mr. & Mrs. Craig moved into the Heard family home in 1926 and allowed Honeymoon House to be used by the Presbyterian Church until the mid-1960s
• Honeymoon House is now home to Jump into Art Studio
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.