These Historic Downtown McKinney Listings Are Shining Examples of Community Preservation

There’s no better example of the power of preservation than historic downtown McKinney. It stands as a remarkable testament to the power of community-driven historic preservation efforts. Nestled in the heart of Collin County, this area exudes a distinctive charm that sets it apart.

“McKinney’s charm is the neighborhood feel,” says McKinney expert and RE/MAX Four Corners Realtor Valarie Kerby. “It’s like our own little Mayberry.”

Kerby would know. She’s lived and worked in the historic downtown McKinney area for 22 years.

“We have so much growth,” she said. “People love to live in the Historic District because they’re walking distance to the farmers market, downtown McKinney shopping, wineries and eateries, and even nightlife with the new Tupps brewery on Highway 5.”

Unlike many historic districts that have succumbed to the pressures of modernization, downtown McKinney has managed to strike a delicate balance between honoring its past and embracing the present. There are so many great opportunities to invest in the unique architectural landscape, too.

If you want to get on the ground floor and put in some elbow grease, Kerby has an estate property on the market at 809 W. Lamar St. listed for an absolute bargain at $299,000. For reference, recent sales in this iconic neighborhood are often double that price.

Architectural Diversity in Historic Downtown McKinney

One of the most striking features of historic downtown McKinney is its architectural landscape. The streets are lined with impeccably preserved Victorian-era buildings, each one bearing the marks of its storied past. From the ornate facades of the courthouse to the quaint storefronts along Main Street, every structure serves as a tangible link to McKinney’s history.

Those very structures are causing so much interest in downtown McKinney. Take Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate agent Laurie McGuire’s listing at 315 N. College St. It’s the 1921-built home of State Sen. John Heard, after whom the Heard Museum was named. McGuire has listed the six-bedroom, five-bathroom historic estate for $3.25 million.

“My clients are only the second owners in 103 years,” McGuire said. “They have cherished this property and maintained the vintage feel.”

McGuire’s clients have kept much of the original home but also updated key areas and mechanicals.

“They built a life here for themselves and their children for over 36 years, and to have them trust in me to take this precious estate and find the next and perfect owner is more than an honor,” she said.

A Community Invested in Preservation

But what truly sets downtown McKinney apart is the sense of community that permeates its streets. Unlike other historic districts that have become little more than tourist attractions, downtown McKinney remains a vibrant hub of activity for residents and visitors alike. Local businesses thrive here, with owners deeply invested in the preservation of the area’s heritage.

That’s evident in Compass Real Estate agent Chad Schulin’s listing at 512 West Virginia St., which is already under contract.

The Craftsman bungalow is within walking distance to downtown McKinney Square and, like the Heard Estate, has a historic marker granted by the City of McKinney Historic Preservation Advisory Board that accompanies a 100 percent exemption on city taxes until 2033.

The bright and playful home has a fun front porch from which you can greet your neighbors, a chicken coop in the backyard for your favorite feathered breakfast producers, and interiors that will truly make you smile. That’s what you could get for $600,000 in historic downtown McKinney.

In essence, downtown McKinney is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to preserve its past. By honoring its heritage while embracing the future, downtown McKinney stands as a living testament to the enduring power of historic preservation.