John M. Martin (b. 1859), a member of an early Collin county family, was a local architect and builder who erected this house for himself about 1880. The structure exhibits elements of the Queen Anne style, including asymmetrical massing, wall surfaces of various materials, and an octagonal-roofed upper bay -- said to be a Martin trademark. Milled porch details were inspired by the popular Eastlake style. Martin sold the house in 1908 and moved from McKinney. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1986