Board approves Level 2 historic-rehabilitation tax exemption for 408 Brook Lane

The McKinney Historic Preservation Advisory Board voted March 5 to approve a Level 2 historic-neighborhood improvement-zone tax-exemption request for 408 Brook Lane, owner Michael Curran.

Reina, historic-preservation staff, presented the application and said the house (described as ranch-style, constructed around 1960) is a medium-priority resource. Reina said Level 2 requires a minimum investment of $10,000 in documented building improvements within 12 months of receipt of a letter of eligibility; staff noted the homeowner demonstrated $11,085 in eligible work (furnace, electrical, wiring, sewer and plumbing repairs) but that the timing of the work was inconsistent with Level 2 criteria because the letter of eligibility usually must precede work. "Staff were made aware of the work during the in-person meeting in July 2025 and feel it was a good-faith effort on the part of the homeowner," Reina said, and recommended approval.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the medium priority designation and the scope of alterations; Reina said most changes were minor rear additions and window/door replacements and that the resource remained "mostly intact." A board member moved to approve; the motion was seconded and the board "carried unanimously," the chair said.

If approved, a Level 2 incentive carries a 50% exemption from city ad-valorem taxes for a period of 10 years. The staff packet lists eligible work items totaling $11,085, and staff said documentation included a July 24, 2025 site meeting with the homeowner. The board did not attach conditions to the approval during the meeting.