The home<\/a>\u00a0underwent 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.<\/p>\nOriginal 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.<\/p>\n
![\"screen-shot-2026-03-24-at-112650-am\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/screen-shot-2026-03-24-at-112650-am.png;w=960.png\"\/)
\nPhoto: Plano Public Library| Pictured in 2023 on the right is Gwen Workman, owner of the Wooden Spoon.\u00a0
<\/p>\n
According to Goodwin, updates over the years were approached thoughtfully. Rather than modernizing for convenience alone, each change prioritized maintaining the home\u2019s historic integrity while ensuring functionality.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Goodwin told Local Profile.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Heritage Tax Exemption program. Interior uses remain flexible, allowing future owners to adapt the space while maintaining its architectural identity.<\/p>\n
The protections, Goodwin said, are meant to safeguard the building\u2019s legacy rather than limit its future.<\/p>\n
A Rare Mixed-Use Opportunity For Buyers<\/p>\n
While its history may be rooted in the 1800s, the property\u2019s future possibilities are firmly modern. The building is zoned within Plano\u2019s Downtown Business\/Government District, allowing a wide range of uses including retail, office, cultural, entertainment and residential applications \u2014 or a combination of all four.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s flexibility as one of its biggest advantages.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt offers something no modern building can \u2014 authentic heritage paired with incredible mixed-use flexibility,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Potential buyers range widely, from boutique retailers and professional offices to cultural organizations or hospitality concepts.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ideal buyer is someone who values history and wants to have bragging rights for one of Plano\u2019s most significant landmarks,\u201d Goodwin said. \u201cThat 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Gathering Place, Then And Now<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Scandinavian shop and community programming. That continuity is part of what makes the property significant to Plano today.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has always been a place where people gathered, connected and created memories,\u201d Goodwin said. \u201cWe look forward to the new buyer continuing its remarkable history.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For more information on this listing, call Pamela Goodwin at 214.929.9013.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss anything Local. Sign up<\/a> for our free newsletter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In a city known for rapid growth and constant reinvention, one property has endured through nearly every chapter…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":218611,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[85307,160,162,161],"class_list":["post-218610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-plano","tag-historylocal-real-estatenorth-texasplanocollin-countylocal-real-estate-guidenewsletter_alldowntown-planothe-wooden-spoonforman-house","tag-plano","tag-plano-headlines","tag-plano-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/218610","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=218610"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/218610\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/218611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=218610"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=218610"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=218610"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}