Richardson’s historic Miss Belle’s House finds permanent home in Huffhines Park

Miss Belle’s House, a historic building in Richardson, will find a permanent home at Huffhines Park.

The building will move from its temporary location outside the Fire Training Center on East Lookout Drive to its new location, the city said in a press release.

A preservation architecture firm, the Parks and Recreation Commission and other groups helped plan the move, according to the city.

Built around 1887 at 206 Sherman St., Miss Belle’s House served as a private school and as a home to multiple families before it was donated to Richardson in 1979, according to the press release. It then moved to the Owens Farm property at Plano Road and Lookout Drive, and was designated as a Texas historic landmark in 1982.

After the farm was sold, the city moved the building to its Lookout Drive location in 2021, the press release said. The Junior League of Richardson maintains the building and provides tours.

The new site, on the eastern side of the park, was selected because it’s close to the house’s current location and several amenities, including restrooms, the city said.

The city doesn’t yet know the cost of the move, but expects for it to be paid with a mix of budget savings, philanthropic gifts and grants.

An update on cost estimates and a timeline for the move are expected to be given to the Richardson City Council later this year.