Area historic preservationists are seeking to raise at least $1 million by Sunday, May 10, 2015 in an effort to save Plano's historic Collinwood House.

The group, led by Plano's Heritage Farmstead Museum, recently presented the City of Plano with a proposal detailing possible uses for the historic Collinwood House, strongly encouraging the city to leave the home at its current location in Windhaven Park. This proposal and related topics were discussed at the Monday, April 13 Plano City Council meeting. The City of Plano will not provide any funds toward restoring or renovating the home, so a fundraising campaign is underway to save the home.

Several heritage preservation groups have come together to present options for saving the home to the City of Plano, but the City of Plano will consider none of the proposed options until at least $1 million is raised to cover the home's restoration costs.

Currently, the Collinwood House, which was built in 1861, is located at 5400 Windhaven Parkway in Plano. The original, two-story, 1,800-square foot home is in good condition.

"Restoring and protecting the historic house in place has always been the goal of the historic preservationists working to save this local treasure," said Heritage Farmstead Museum Executive Director M'Lou Hyttinen.  "This home was built in the 1860’s and is a rare historic asset. To find a home like this, in its original location and set within a 124-acre park, make it even more valuable and unique to Collin County and to the State of Texas.   The Texas Historic Commission stated the significance of this house and its surrounding land. This represents an opportunity that the City of Plano should not ignore."

While the restoration of the home could take as long as two years, the City of Plano has demanded proof of financial commitment - in the form of $1 million - from the historic preservation groups by May 11, 2015.

The Heritage Farmstead Museum, which has managed and operated the historic Ammie Wilson House and farm site for 40 years, has offered to provide planning, security, project management, programming and operational services should the house be saved in place.

“It is now up to the community, individuals as well as corporations, to stand up and support the project," said Hyttinen. "Together, we make difference.  History should not be moved. It should be protected and preserved for future generations.  Your donations will indicate to the City of Plano that you care and want the house saved in place.”

To learn more, please visit www.thecollinwoodhouse.org or email thecollinwoodhouse@gmail.com.
To donate, please visit: www.gofundme.com/thecollinwoodhouse.