McKinney advisory board approves historic marker for Davis Lucas House amid address discrepancy

The City of McKinney Historic Preservation Advisory Board on March 5 approved a historic-marker application for the Davis Lucas House, a property staff described as constructed about 1888 in a Gothic revival/folk-Victorian style.

Reina, a city historic-preservation staff member, presented the application and recommended approval, saying the home "was constructed around 1888 in the gothic revival/folk Victorian style" and noting its front gables, wood siding and pier-and-beam foundation. Reina told the board the house was originally constructed by the William Davis family, who "donated 120 acres for the official establishment of McKinney in 1848–49," and later owned by the Gabriel Lucas family, who operated Lucas Studios out of the front of the house for many generations.

Homeowners who spoke at the meeting thanked the board and said they applied because of the property's local significance. One homeowner said, "I just love living in this home. I love McKinney… the Lucas studio photographed pretty much all the citizens of McKinney." Staff provided photos from 1948, 1985 and 2005 and recommended approval, noting most historic alterations were to rear additions and that the front facade has been largely preserved.

Board member Marcia moved to approve the marker application; the motion was seconded by Reina. The motion "carried unanimously with the exception of James, who recused himself from the voting process," the chair said. The board then allowed the recused member to return to the dais.

The packet and oral presentation included local historical context connecting the Davis and Lucas families to McKinney's early development and to long-running local photography practices. Staff materials and the board discussion contained an address discrepancy: the agenda and chair's remarks listed the property as 2210 South Bradley Street while staff's presentation referenced the property as 210 South Bradley Street; the board did not record a correction during the meeting.

The board's action approves the placement of a historic marker; no additional conditions or follow-up tasks were announced at the meeting.