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Historic Preservation Advisory Board approves marker for 401 West Hunt Street
Summary
The board unanimously approved a historic marker application for property at 401 West Hunt Street, citing its circa-1929 Tudor Revival architecture and local historical associations; owner Nancy Powell was not present and her daughter Honey Harris spoke in support.
The Historic Preservation Advisory Board voted unanimously to approve a historic marker application for the property at 401 West Hunt Street, presented on behalf of owner Nancy Powell.
A historic preservation staff member, Reina, described the house as “constructed circa 1929” and identified its character-defining features, including brick with cut-stone accents, steeply pitched front gable roof she noted is covered in Vermont slate, round-arched doors and windows, large chimneys and six-over-six windows. Reina classified the property as “high priority,” saying it “contributes significantly to local history or broader historical patterns” and is an “outstanding or unique example of architecture.”
Reina summarized the property's history: the lot originally held an earlier brick residence (a “Bridal house,” described in the application) that was purchased by Mary Jackson in 1926, demolished, and rebuilt as the current Tudor-style duplex around 1929. Reina said Mary Jackson was the wife of Walter B. Jackson, who co-owned a Ford dealership and one of the largest auto garages in Collin County in the 1910s; Jackson sold her shares in the garage and used the proceeds to buy the lot and build the duplex so she could collect rental income. Reina said Mary Jackson lived in the house until her death in 1958. A long-term occupant and later owner, Mrs. Isaac P. Carr, operated Carr’s Apparel on the McKinney square beginning in 1929 and continued for more than three decades.
Honey Harris, the owner’s daughter, told the board she was “lucky enough to be born and raised in this house,” said she enjoyed the home’s proximity to the square and that her mother and stepfather still live there. Harris said the house was a family home for births and for caring for her grandparents in their final days; she described the house as welcoming.
Board member James West moved to approve the marker application; board member Megan seconded. The chair called for a hand vote and the motion passed unanimously.
During the broader discussion about preservation programs, staff updated the board on the city’s Certified Local Government (CLG) application. A staff member said the city received follow-up questions from the National Park Service and the Texas Historical Commission earlier in April, that staff provided answers, and that the city is awaiting a response. Board members asked how pending CLG recognition would affect board composition; staff said converting the advisory board to a commission is a possible change to consider but is not required by CLG approval and would be a separate policy decision. Staff also told the board about a historic preservation proclamation scheduled for the May 6 City Council meeting and asked board members to attend if possible.
Reina and board members discussed practical details about the marker, including placement; one board member asked where the plaque would go and a board member replied the owner knows the location. The board closed the item after the vote.
Votes at a glance - Minutes (Consent agenda): Motion to approve minutes of the HPAB regular meeting of April 3, 2025 — moved and seconded; motion carried unanimously (hand vote). - Historic marker, 401 West Hunt Street: Motion to approve marker application — moved by James West, seconded by Megan; motion passed unanimously (hand vote). - Adjourn: Motion to adjourn — moved by Betty Pekkaisak, seconded by Carrie Kennedy; motion carried unanimously (hand vote).
