The Plano City Council unanimously agreed at an Aug. 8 preliminary meeting to let voters decide the fate of the Collinwood House, an 1860s-era home located off Windhaven Parkway that, for nearly two years, has garnered support from residents who want to see the home preserved.

The informal vote placed the $3.5 million project to restore the home on the May 2017 bond election. In the meantime, members requested the city's Heritage Commission further research the historical value of the home.

If voters approve the bond package, the city will restore the home, either at its current site or at a yet-to-be determined location, and will cover future maintenance costs. If the bond fails, the city officials said they would move forward with demolishing the home, which is located on the future site of Windhaven Park.

"We really believe this recommendation achieves the general goal of the interested stakeholders and the Heritage Commission," City Manager Bruce Glasscock said. "It [also] allows the voters to make a determination as to whether or not city funds should be used for restoration [of the house]."

In April, Plano City Council gave preservationists until May 11 to raise the one million dollars needed to cover the restoration costs for the home without the need for city funds. Groups had been seeking a match from the city to begin the restoration process at the home’s original location.

Because the house is located in what will be a public park, council members have wondered how the house would survive in a public area. Council members and city staff have also raised questions about security and what it would cost to maintain the home, as well as who would be responsible for its maintenance.

"I am for preserving the home. I think that we've done a very good job preserving our history and our heritage," Councilman Rick Grady said. "But the lines of the city did not extend past [U.S.] 75 to the west. To say that this home, which was a good day's ride by horseback in the 1860s was in Plano is not a fact. For the citizens to make a decision on the home they need all the true facts about the home."