‘We knew this could be a very special project’: McKinney Enclave Adding to Its Historical Charm

If you want that historic home look in a new build with the accompanying new-home smell, McKinney is adding an interesting development.

Olivia Clarke Homes, in partnership with Rockhill Capital and Investments, broke ground this month on College Street, a 20-home project a few blocks southwest of Historic Downtown McKinney.

That’s right — 20 homes.

The new community will provide homes inspired by the area’s historical architecture, according to Olivia Clarke Homes, the Plano-based builder. Home prices will start at about $685,000. The median price for homes in McKinney was $584,900, according to the North Texas Real Estate Information System.

Grading has already started at the College Street site. Once redeveloped, an old ball-field site will provide 20 50- by 120-foot lots for homes spanning approximately 2,300 to 4,500 square feet. Construction is expected to start at the end of 2022.

Olivia Clarke Homes also has communities in Celina — Celina Hills (starting at $619,680), Historical Downtown Celina (from the $450,000s), North Square at Uptown, and The Residences at Cottage Hill (starting at $915,000).

Olivia Clarke Homes was founded last year by Jennifer Johnson Clarke. She said her firm is excited to build homes that pay tribute to the historical homes that have been “so beautifully preserved in McKinney.”

“Homebuyers have an appreciation and appetite for historical architecture, and we are carefully designing and building homes with charming, nostalgic details and smart finishes they will love for years to come,” Clarke said in a statement.

College Street will offer three two-story plans and a one-story plan starting with three bedrooms and two baths. Some plans will have an office. The homes will have a detached garage, which complements the surrounding historical homes.

“We knew this could be a very special project, not only due to the location so near downtown McKinney, but also to offer new construction homes that tie into the historic charm of the area,” Ryan Griffin, managing partner for Frisco-based Rockhill Capital and Investments, said in a statement.

“This is a very rare product and we’re excited to see the buyer response.”

Correction: A previous version incorrectly reported the size of the lots.