The City of Richardson is preparing to move Miss Belle’s House to a permanent location at Huffhines Park, 200 N. Plano Rd. The two-story Victorian home, originally built between 1886 and 1889, is one of the oldest buildings in Richardson and is a Texas Historic Landmark.

Currently located at the City’s Fire Training and Emergency Operations Center at 1621 E. Lookout Dr., Miss Belle’s House will make its final journey to Huffhines Park on Sunday, Aug. 10, from 7-11 a.m. The three-mile move will be a carefully coordinated effort involving rolling intersection closures along Plano Road. Law enforcement officers will be on site to direct traffic, and drivers in the area are urged to plan ahead and use caution due to expected delays.

Once the home arrives at Huffhines Park, a new foundation and exterior restoration work will begin, with a future possible phase for interior restoration. The new location was chosen for its central proximity to community amenities such as Duck Creek Trail and the Huffhines Recreation Center, where the home will serve as a cultural and educational hub for future generations.

The History of Miss Belle’s House

Miss Belle’s House began its life at the corner of Sherman and Kaufman Streets in downtown Richardson. In 1902, it was purchased for Virginia Bell “Miss Belle” Robberson, a 32-year-old schoolteacher who used the downstairs space to operate a private school while living in the upper level. She taught in the home for nearly 40 years, becoming a beloved figure in Richardson’s early history.

After Miss Belle’s passing, the house changed ownership several times before being donated to the City in 1979 by the Couch family. It was relocated to Owens Spring Creek Farm and restored, later opening to the public in 1981 for supervised tours hosted by the Junior League of Richardson. When redevelopment plans emerged for Owens Farm in 2021, the house was moved to its current temporary site.

Philanthropic Opportunities

The relocation of Miss Belle’s house is the first step of many that will be taken as work is done for its future restoration. As plans move forward for restoration and future educational programming, the City invites community members, businesses, and organizations to be part of the project.

The following philanthropic opportunities are currently available to support the development of the site:

Park Benches – $4,000

Contribute to the creation of a welcoming and reflective space around Miss Belle’s House by sponsoring a bench. These benches offer visitors a comfortable place to rest, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the home’s historical significance. Each sponsored bench will include a personalized recognition plaque.

Interpretive Signs – $7,500

Help bring the story of Miss Belle’s House to life by funding interpretive signage throughout the site. These signs will provide engaging, educational content about the home’s architecture, the life and legacy of Miss Belle, and Richardson’s early days. Supporters will be recognized on or near the signage.

Site Landscaping – $30,000

Make a lasting impact by sponsoring the restoration and beautification of the grounds surrounding Miss Belle’s House. This gift will support the installation of native plants, walkways, shade trees, and garden features to create a peaceful, park-like environment that complements the home’s historic charm. Donor recognition will be featured prominently on site.

For more information about the move or the history of Miss Belle’s House, visit www.cor.net/MissBellesHouse.