Plano’s Oldest Treasure: The Collinwood House Embarks on a New Journey

In a significant chapter for Plano’s rich heritage, the venerable Collinwood House, a structure that predates the city’s formal incorporation, is slated for relocation as early as September. This impending move marks the culmination of years of preservation efforts and heralds a new beginning for one of North Texas’ most cherished historical landmarks. Acquired by the visionary Haggard Enterprises, the 19th-century residence is poised to become the unique centerpiece of an innovative mixed-use development, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.

Clint Haggard, representing the family enterprise, shared an exciting glimpse into these preliminary plans with Daltxrealestate.com. The proposed development, strategically located along the bustling Dallas North Tollway, envisions a vibrant tapestry of retail spaces, modern high-density housing, and at its heart, the beautifully restored Collinwood House. “Our primary goal is to seamlessly integrate this historic home into the future landscape of this exciting, yet-to-be-fully-defined development,” Haggard explained. He elaborated on the flexible approach to its placement: “Whether we choose to incorporate the home into a lush green space or position it amidst bustling retail, it will undoubtedly be a unique anchor, weaving a piece of our family’s heritage and Plano’s history into the very fabric of this new community.”

The Enduring Legacy of the Collinwood House and the Haggard Family

The Haggard family holds a distinguished place in Plano’s narrative, recognized as one of its pioneering founding families. Their ancestral home, the Collinwood House, stands as a tangible testament to their enduring legacy, having been constructed in 1861. This remarkable date means the house predates the official incorporation of the City of Plano in 1873, making it unequivocally the oldest residential structure within the city limits. This Gothic Revival-style home offers a rare glimpse into 19th-century Texas architecture, characterized by its distinctive arched windows, steeply pitched gables, and decorative bargeboards that speak volumes of an era long past. Its cultural and architectural significance makes its preservation not just a family endeavor, but a community imperative, safeguarding a vital link to Plano’s formative years and the pioneers who shaped its early development.

For many years, the fate of this architectural gem hung precariously. The beleaguered home found itself in the city’s care when Plano embarked on a visionary project, acquiring a sprawling 124-acre tract of undeveloped land in West Plano. This acquisition was for the development of the future Windhaven Meadows Park, an ambitious $10 million expansion designed to offer residents a premier recreational space. The park’s comprehensive plans include scenic trails, tranquil ponds, spacious pavilions, a dedicated dog park, and a state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot all-abilities playground, generously donated by corporate neighbors Liberty Mutual.

Despite its historical value, the city initially expressed little interest in retaining the Gothic Revival-style house at its original location. In 2015, Plano extended an open invitation, offering the house to any party willing to undertake the substantial task and cost of relocating it from city property. However, this initial offer found no takers, highlighting the formidable challenges associated with preserving such an old and fragile structure. Recognizing the public’s growing concern for the landmark, Plano subsequently presented a $3.5 million bond measure in 2017, aiming to secure funds for preserving the building at its existing site. Heartbreakingly for preservationists, the measure narrowly failed, defeated by a slim margin of just 600 votes. This outcome underscored the difficulties of garnering widespread public funding for historic preservation projects, even for a structure of such profound significance.

A Turning Point: Haggard Enterprises Steps Forward

The future of the Collinwood House remained uncertain until June, when the Plano City Council made a unanimous decision that marked a pivotal moment in its preservation saga. They approved Haggard Enterprises’ compelling bid to relocate the Collinwood House away from the future park site, effectively saving it from potential demolition. This landmark agreement also included a crucial financial commitment from the city, which agreed to contribute $250,000 – funds that had previously been earmarked for the structure’s demolition. This contribution transformed potential destruction into a powerful investment in heritage, highlighting a collaborative spirit between private enterprise and municipal government towards a shared goal of preserving Plano’s unique historical fabric.

Clint Haggard indicated that the final contracts with the City of Plano were anticipated to be signed within the current week. These contracts required careful adjustment to exclude certain outbuildings, specifically a pole barn and a chicken coop. Expert house movers advised that these ancillary structures would not withstand the stresses of relocation, necessitating the focus to remain solely on the main house – the true historical gem. To execute this intricate and delicate operation, Haggard Enterprises has engaged the services of Lemons House Moving, a highly reputable firm based in Whitesboro, known for their specialized expertise in transporting historic structures with the utmost care and precision.

The Delicate Journey and a Vision for the Future

Once the city contract is officially executed, Haggard Enterprises will embark on a critical 90-day window to meticulously prepare and move the fragile historic home. The challenging journey will take the Collinwood House from its current location, situated southeast of Windhaven Parkway and Willow Bend Drive, to a nearby, designated preservation plot. This secure, fenced parcel of undeveloped land, conveniently located at the intersection of Spring Creek Parkway and Windhaven Parkway, is proudly owned by the Haggard family. This careful selection of a new site ensures the house remains within a context that respects its historical roots while providing ample space for its future integration into a larger vision.

Clint Haggard anticipates that the house relocation will commence with urgency, likely taking place as early as September. However, he stresses that once the house has been safely moved and secured in its new temporary home, the family will adopt a thoughtful and deliberate pace in determining its ultimate purpose and long-term role within their planned development. “We are among the last property owners in this area that haven’t developed their land, and it has remained largely untouched since the mid-1850s,” Haggard reflected. This long-standing tradition of stewardship influences their current approach. “We tend to move slow,” he added, emphasizing a commitment to careful planning that ensures the Collinwood House’s future is as enduring and significant as its past. This patient approach allows for comprehensive studies, community engagement, and innovative ideas to fully blossom, promising a truly remarkable second life for Plano’s oldest dwelling.

Embracing History in Modern Plano

The relocation and reimagining of the Collinwood House represent more than just moving a building; it’s an act of safeguarding Plano’s soul and offering a compelling example of how historical preservation can harmoniously coexist with progressive urban development. The Haggard family’s dedication, combined with strategic city partnership, ensures that this Gothic Revival icon will not only survive but thrive, becoming an inspiring landmark for future generations. As the Collinwood House prepares for its short but monumental journey, Plano looks forward to witnessing its transformation from a beleaguered relic to a vibrant cornerstone of community life, a testament to its enduring history and a beacon for its promising future.