Saigling House

The Houston & Texas Central Railroad brought access to agricultural markets and growth to Plano in the 1870s. Celestine (Pillot) (1854-1932) and Charles Frederick (C.F.) (1840-1906) Saigling moved from Houston to Plano in 1881 to pursue business opportunities in Plano and north Texas. C.F. Saigling was an active community and civic leader during his time in Plano.

He established the C.F. Saigling Lumber Company, C.F. Saigling Planing Mill and the Saigling Milling Company. Saigling also served on the Plano city council (1884-1885), the first Plano school board and other organizations. Saigling Elementary School was named in his honor. Celestine Saigling was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Plano.

In 1918, Celestine Saigling built this Craftsman style house designed by the Dallas architecture firm of Lang and Witchell. The notable firm designed high-rise office buildings, schools, department stores, courthouses, residences and other buildings in Texas in the early 20th century. The Saigling House is a two-story brick residence with a side-gabled roof.

A full-width L-shaped porch supported by large square columns, removed sometime between 1935 and 1945 but later reconstructed, fronts the house. The design was among the first brick veneer houses in Plano. Celestine Saigling owned the house until her death in 1932. Her estate sold the property in 1935.

Later notable resident included Dr. Oliver T. Mitchell and Fred Miers, a three-term mayor of Plano. Home to several prominent citizens, the Saigling House played a significant role in Plano's history and showcases one of the most popular early 20th century architectural styles. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2018