|
Historic Preservation Advisory Board · October 1, 2026
Board Approves Demolition Request and Historic Marker
McKinney’s Historic Preservation Advisory Board took action on two property cases on October 1, 2026, and also elected its chair and vice chair.
Tom Pence And Megan Amelia Win Leadership Posts
Board members unanimously elected Tom Pence as chair and Megan Amelia as vice chair.
Board Approves Demolition At 415 W. Louisiana Street
The board approved a certificate of appropriateness to demolish a carport and detached shed at 415 W. Louisiana Street. The vote was six in favor, with one board member recusing herself. Staff said the carport was built in 1990 and the shed was probably constructed in 1965, and staff said neither structure was integral to the historic home.
Damage Concerns Drove The Louisiana Street Request
Staff told the board the carport had damage that was causing water leakage, warping, debris gathering, and damage to the siding of the historic property. Staff said the shed had large holes, deep cracks in the floor, a rear area that had sunk significantly, and damage to the frame and foundation from water intrusion. The owner said the shed did not have an actual foundation, making repair difficult and leading them to want to start over.
Historic Marker Approved For 1013 Howell Street
The board unanimously approved a historic marker for 1013 Howell Street, identified in the presentation as the Ottenhausen House. Staff said the 1899 Folk Victorian home met the eligibility requirements for the marker and has a high-priority rating.
Howell Street Home Tied To Local History
Staff’s review said the property has been home to lumbermen, attorneys, veterans, educators, and preservationists. The presentation also said the home retains a significant portion of its original character and contextual integrity, despite later additions and repairs.
Board Discusses Future Demolition Criteria
During board comments, members discussed having staff prepare information for a future discussion about demolition criteria. One staff member said that could be prepared for the next month.
Questions Raised About Repair Costs And Good-Faith Efforts
Board members discussed whether future demolition criteria should include good-faith efforts to seek alternatives before demolition, and whether cost comparisons between demolition and rehabilitation would be helpful in hardship cases. No policy was adopted during this meeting.
By the end of the meeting, the board had elected its chair and vice chair, approved one demolition request for a carport and detached shed, and approved a historic marker for a Howell Street home. The board also discussed returning to demolition criteria at a future meeting.
|
