Plano Activists Lobby To Save Historic House
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PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) - After years of debate, city leaders have given activists one last chance to save the Collinwood home, which may be the oldest historic home in Plano.
Preservationists are calling on the public to show its support for a piece of history at a time when Plano is all about the future.
"So many people drive past here and have no clue that the oldest home in Plano is sitting in their backyard," said Collinwood supporter Patti Snell.
Built before the Civil War, the Collinwood House is a reminder of Plano's pioneer past. Today, it sits on property Plano plans to develop into a public park, but the city hasn't decided what to do with the home.
Snell is part of a group of supporters trying to save the property.
"I really, truly believe and very, very passionately believe that you can't build a future at the expense of tearing down its history," said Snell.
At one point, Plano offered the house for free to anyone who wanted to pay to move it off site.
While those plans fell through, activists have continued to lobby for its restoration. City leaders said they're open to suggestions but insist no public funds can be devoted to the project.
"Be heard. We have this small window from now until August 1st to make some noise," said Snell.
Plano estimates restoration would cost $1.5 million.
The city council will consider proposals until August. After that, the home will likely be disassembled.
Snell and others plan to have a large group of speakers at Monday's city council meeting advocating for the house.
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