In a city known for rapid growth and constant reinvention, one property has endured through nearly every chapter of Plano’s history. Now, for the first time in decades, that piece of history is about to change hands.
Built in 1867, the Forman House at 1617 K Avenue — Plano’s second oldest surviving home and an individually designated Heritage Landmark — is officially on the market for $1,375,000. Set on more than half an acre in the heart of historic downtown, the Greek Revival-style residence has served as a family home, a cultural gathering space and, for the past 35 years, the home of The Wooden Spoon Scandinavian Shop & Cultural Center.
Its listing offers a rare opportunity to own a property that predates Plano itself as a modern city.
A Home That Grew With Plano
Long before downtown Plano filled with restaurants, apartments and nightlife, Joseph and Elizabeth Forman built the home as part of one of the area’s founding families. Joseph, an early mayor elected in 1877, was involved in farming, cattle and local business ventures during Plano’s earliest years. Today, the structure stands as a physical link to that era.
“The Forman House is truly one of those rare properties you just don’t see hit the market anymore,” said Pamela J. Goodwin, CEO and founder of Goodwin Commercial, which is handling the listing. “It carries a level of history and character you simply cannot recreate.”
The two-story main building spans roughly 4,284 square feet, accompanied by a 1,550-square-foot coach house behind it. Together, they sit on a 0.537-acre site just steps from downtown Plano’s walkable arts and dining district.
Preserving The Past
The home underwent restoration in 1992, with owners preserving original materials and architectural details while updating systems for modern use. Much of the craftsmanship from the 19th century remains intact today.
Original oak and pine floors run throughout the house, alongside period millwork, decorative trim and defining Greek Revival design elements. The proportions and layout still reflect the artistry of the era in which it was built.
Photo: Plano Public Library| Pictured in 2023 on the right is Gwen Workman, owner of the Wooden Spoon.
According to Goodwin, updates over the years were approached thoughtfully. Rather than modernizing for convenience alone, each change prioritized maintaining the home’s historic integrity while ensuring functionality.
“The minute you walk in the front door sets you back in time with the architectural significance and a sense of place that draws people in,” Goodwin told Local Profile.
Because the Forman House is designated as a Heritage Landmark, exterior changes must undergo review to preserve its historic character. However, that designation also provides financial advantages through Plano’s Heritage Tax Exemption program. Interior uses remain flexible, allowing future owners to adapt the space while maintaining its architectural identity.
The protections, Goodwin said, are meant to safeguard the building’s legacy rather than limit its future.
A Rare Mixed-Use Opportunity For Buyers
While its history may be rooted in the 1800s, the property’s future possibilities are firmly modern. The building is zoned within Plano’s Downtown Business/Government District, allowing a wide range of uses including retail, office, cultural, entertainment and residential applications — or a combination of all four.
The first floor currently operates as retail space, while the second level includes a private residential layout with meeting rooms and a full kitchen. The detached coach house, leased to another business, provides an additional income-producing component. Goodwin describes the property’s flexibility as one of its biggest advantages.
“It offers something no modern building can — authentic heritage paired with incredible mixed-use flexibility,” she said.
Potential buyers range widely, from boutique retailers and professional offices to cultural organizations or hospitality concepts.
Goodwin noted that they have also been working with the Plano Heritage Preservation Department to explore adding a drive-thru on the west side of the property, an option that could enhance both functionality and long-term value.
“The ideal buyer is someone who values history and wants to have bragging rights for one of Plano’s most significant landmarks,” Goodwin said. “That could be an entrepreneur, a boutique retailer, a cultural organization, a professional office, a hospitality concept, or even the city of Plano itself. A perfect fit may be a coffee, cocktail and Mahjong upstairs event establishment.”
A Gathering Place, Then And Now
Over its nearly 160-year lifespan, the Forman House has consistently served as a place where people connect, first as a family residence and later as a cultural destination through The Wooden Spoon’s Scandinavian shop and community programming. That continuity is part of what makes the property significant to Plano today.
“It has always been a place where people gathered, connected and created memories,” Goodwin said. “We look forward to the new buyer continuing its remarkable history.”
As downtown Plano continues to evolve around it, the Forman House stands as a reminder that while the city keeps growing upward and outward, some of its most meaningful spaces are the ones that have been there all along.
For more information on this listing, call Pamela Goodwin at 214.929.9013.
Don’t miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.