In the tour:
The Grand Hotel

112 W. Louisiana Mckinney, Tx 75069

Located in historic downtown McKinney, the new Grand Hotel is a notable addition to the square. The building in which the hotel is located was originally built in 1880. At that time the Kentucky Street entrance was the Heard Mercantile Store. The Louisiana Street entrance was the Heard Opera House. In 1909 John Phillip Sousa played at the Opera House.

In 1923 there was a fire that destroyed most of the building. After the fire it the Kentucky Street entrance became Woolworths. The Louisiana Street entrance housed various agriculture related businesses.

The renovation of the building, which began in 2006, created the New Grand Hotel which has fourteen rooms. A quietly elegant entrance welcomes hotel guests and each of the rooms is tastefully decorated. The building also houses Ricks Chop House, an upscale restaurant serving American cuisine.

In the tour: The Burt Home

714 W. Lamar Mckinney, Tx 75069

Nestled in the heart of the Historic District, the Burt home at 714 W. Lamar St. is a cozy Victorian home. Originally built in 1906, the home suffered extensive fire damage in 2005 and was rebuilt over a period of five months. This was actually the second fire in the home.

When they rebuilt the home, current owners Dennis & Kathy Burt, added a game room, hobby room and closets. Insulation, drywall and foundation were also updated at that time. Having experienced a fire, the Burts wisely recommend that every homeowner video their home contents room by room.

The Burts have lived in the home since 1988 and feel blessed to live here. They absolutely adore every room in their newly refurbished home!

In the tour: The Curfman Home

601 N. Church St. Mckinney, Tx 75069

The Nenney/Curfman home at is one of the shining jewels of the street. The many renovations of homes here have elevated the street to the finest examples of historic homes. The Curfman home is rich in history dating back to 1874, when Mr. James Patrick Nenney purchased two acres of land and cotton fields on which he built this Italianate style home.

The lumber for the house was bought in New Orleans and shipped to Jefferson by boat, then brought by wagon train to McKinney. A stable and barns were at one time a part of the estate. Mr. Nenney's daughter, Mrs. Marie Stevens, lived in the home for many years before it was sold to the Douglas family. The Curfmans purchased the home four years ago and it underwent a two-year renovation by West Construction. The renovation included raising the house 18 inches, pouring 57 new foundation piers, new wiring, plumbing, air conditioning and building seven new windows to match the existing style. The cabinets in Carolyn's sewing room are from the original kitchen and the stained glass door in that room is from a back porch that was removed sometime in the past. The Curfman's favorite room is the kitchen where they enjoy the view from the large windows to the yard and a warm fireplace in the winter.

As you approach the home, you will be drawn to the beautiful front porch, which is a room in itself! The leaded and beveled glass front doors draw you into a home that has been lovingly restored and beautifully decorated.

In the tour: The Dill Home

6013 Settlement Way (Craig Ranch) Mckinney, Tx 75069

Constructed in 2006, the Dill home is truly a unique masterpiece. While the outer structure of the home does not currently qualify as historic, many features of the home are antique and the historic designation will come with time. The style is Hill Country, covered with Blanco stone. As you step into the foyer, greeted in a warm English (4500 pieces of hand-laid tile) entrance, you feel the creative energy the home exudes. The antique hat rack came from the Northside Barber Shop in downtown McKinney.

To the right of the foyer is the most interesting, creative formal dining room one could imagine. The chandelier captures initial attention with its pure New Orleans Mardi Gras flair. Diane Dill found just the right glass blower in Austin and has incorporated many of his pieces, along with family favorites such as a friend's earrings and brooch, into the fixture.

The Dills previously owned Pickle Hill and have brought some of the treasures from the party barn to Craig Ranch. Local artist, Carolyn Hewitt, has painted something in nearly every room in the house with her special touch. Richard's study ceiling is an incredible solar system that Carolyn created. The home includes four antique doors, two in the butler's pantry and two in the kitchen. The great room fireplace is another visual treat of Italian tile, lighted painted glass windows in the two peaks of the room, and a warm 'sit awhile' atmosphere. There is stained glass in each room, including the master closets.

The kitchen will appeal to all cooks, with a 5x12 pine island, marble counter tops, tin ceiling and plenty of room to spread out. The Dill's art collection includes many world renowned artists and fits beautifully into each room of the home. Of special interest will be their Kidwell collection of Santa Claus pieces. They own an original Al Kidwell Santa that will greet visitors at the front door and two pieces from Al's son, Brian.

A mere press release does not do justice to this home; a book would be more appropriate. You must not miss this extraordinary home on your tour!

In the tour: The Montgomery Home

611 N. Church St. Mckinney, Tx 75069

This beautiful Craftsman style home was built in 1909 by the J.R. Wilcox family. The Wilcox's were a prominent family in Collin County and one of the founding families of McKinney. They were established lumber merchants, owning local lumber companies and mills in East Texas. As a result, only the finest hardwoods from their mill were used in the construction.

Current owners, Todd and Ginger Montgomery, have completed an extensive renovation, retaining as much original as they could. The home includes a built-in hall tree with beveled mirror in the oversized foyer, two huge pocket doors 8 feet long and over 7 feet tall, four fireplaces, built-in bookshelves and fireside seats, and leaded glass windows.

Five families have lived in this home. The Montgomerys especially enjoy the foyer, family room and dining room. You will too!

In the tour: The Scott Home

607 N. Church St. Mckinney, Tx 75069

The National Register lists the residence at 607 N. Church St. as the 'John H. Ferguson' house. This home was originally built in 1910 and the current owners are Terry Scott and Donna Kobrin.

The architectural style of this home is the Four Square/Bungalow Arts and Crafts style. The owners have done a complete renovation beginning in November of 2004 and finalized in August of 2006. Along with an addition to the home, they added all new electrical, plumbing and heating/air conditioning.

The home has excellent drive up appeal and the family especially enjoys their front parlor and kitchen.