The Wylie Historical Society says it remains committed to restoring the historic Stonehaven House and looks forward to continuing discussions with the city regarding the landmark’s future.

The statement follows Wylie City Council’s June 9 decision to pause negotiations concerning the possible relocation of the home and reassess options for its preservation.

Background

Wylie Historical Society President Jennifer Wakefield said the organization wanted to clarify that it has never claimed city officials intended to demolish the house.

“At no time has the Society said the City Council planned to destroy Stonehaven,” Wakefield said in a written response.

“Our fundraising efforts clearly stated that City Council required Stonehaven to be moved to the Downtown Historic District and that it was some members of the Stone Ranch HOA who have expressed their wish that it be destroyed — not the city council.”

Built in 1912 by local inventor and farmer William E. Stone, the home is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

The structure was moved approximately 400 feet in 2016 to avoid demolition during the Alanis Drive expansion project while remaining on original Stone family acreage.

Restoration Efforts

The Wylie Historical Society has long advocated for restoring the home and opening it as a museum.

City ordinances approved in 2015 and 2017 established a framework for the society to own the structure and operate it as a museum while it remained on city parkland in the Stone Ranch subdivision.

Wakefield said the organization’s plans have not changed despite the council’s decision to pause negotiations.

“We are full-speed fundraising,” she said.

The society continues to raise money for restoration efforts while also caring for furnishings, family heirlooms and other artifacts associated with the Stone family.

Wakefield said the group is also exploring options to exhibit those items while discussions regarding Stonehaven continue.

The Historical Society has received numerous artifacts over the years and hopes to make them available for public viewing sooner rather than later, she said.

For now, Wakefield said the organization is taking council at its word that all options remain under consideration.

“The mayor said they will pause and reassess their options, and I do not make any assumptions about what they may or may not consider to be on the table,” she said.

Wakefield said the Historical Society remains committed to working with city leaders to find a path forward.

“The Society seeks to and looks forward to working with the city for the successful restoration of Stonehaven,” she said.

To donate or join the Wylie Historical Society, visit wyliehistoricalsociety.org.

Original reporting: Wylie News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.