Destination: Downtown Tyler, TX

Tyler transforms the district into a prime location for residents and visitors.

By Jessica Payne on June 14, 2023

Photography by Gema

Downtown is the heart of the city, and a healthy downtown is key for a strong and growing community. Tyler continues to make huge strides when it comes to building the downtown area. From city buildings to mixed-used spaces, developments are popping up and enhancing the vibrancy of the district. And it’s not just locals who are noticing – Tyler is drawing attention from developers across the country.

“Walking around downtown, the increase in visitors, pedestrian movement and office occupancy is visible,” says Amber Varona, Tyler Main Street director. “In the last five years, some catalyst projects have built upon the efforts to activate the heart of our city.”

The downtown has been transformed into a destination with additional retail, restaurants, entertainment, residential developments and beautification, Varona says. With an increase in events and activities downtown, more people are being exposed to the improvements and changing their perceptions, she says.

New Conference Center

One of the most notable changes for those already familiar with downtown Tyler is the new W.T. Brookshire Conference Center. Opened in spring 2023, the conference center features 23,000 square feet of meeting space, a built-in stage, a catering kitchen and a 3.5-acre park. 

“With downtown Tyler just a mile from the new conference center, downtown will be a natural destination for all visitors. It will be a prime location for shuttle routes and those looking for a bite to eat, a cup of coffee or maybe a nightcap after the conference,” Varona says. “Downtown amenities could also be utilized as additional venues and locations for panels and meetings, opportunities that would only be present with the co-location of larger conferences.”

New Looks for Older Buildings

NORF Cos., a New Orleans-based developer, is transforming the historic Lindsey and Wilcox buildings, which have sat mostly vacant for years, into mixed-use spaces. The company anticipates adding 80 new rental units to downtown Tyler through just these two projects. 

NORF purchased the Carlton, the Wilcox, the Lindsey and Fair buildings all in the past 18 months with plans for renovations.

“Tyler is one of the youngest and fastest-growing cities in Texas. NORF is impressed with the Tyler community’s compelling demographics and supportive local government,” says Ilse Stough, NORF director of development. “The valuations we have been seeing for quality buildings encouraged our multiple acquisitions. My team has visited Tyler on multiple occasions, and we’ve felt the city’s vibrancy. We are eager to be a part of its growth.”

The buildings are within downtown’s main gateway, making them prominent and visible. The project will activate blighted properties and play a part in the revitalization efforts to create an overall vibrant downtown.

“With downtown living in high demand, we are excited to see more space to welcome residents that can support our businesses,” Varona says. “These buildings contain historic fabric, and we are grateful to see others preserving downtown’s history.”

Fitzpatrick Architects

New County Courthouse

Plans for a new $179 million courthouse and parking garage have also been approved. Designated corridors, space for consolidating all judicial activities and a historic design are all a part of the plans.

Varona says the new Smith County Courthouse will play a significant role in revamping downtown’s image.

“The courthouse relocation will create an actual connective square with large spaces for year-round activities for our community,” she says. “For larger events like music festivals, the courthouse’s relocation will allow a reduced impact on downtown businesses with fewer street closures.”  

Robert Langham

New Hotel

After the 2020 lockdowns, people became antsier than ever to get away. Tyler was one such destination.

Grace and Andrew Cryer, who found their two area B&Bs in high demand, responded to requests for more travel accommodations by opening the Thomas Hotel in 2022.

Their boutique eight-room hotel is located on the square in downtown Tyler. Each suite features a kitchenette, sleeper sofa, bathroom, king-size bed and frame TV. And the suites are spacious.

“We are seeing all sorts of travelers,” says Grace Cryer. “Our guests are medical professionals, patients recovering from procedures, lawyers in town, staycationers and quite a few wedding guests.”

Cryer says that the hotel reflects the Tyler community, and that’s why it’s such a draw.

“It’s a true Tyler establishment – intimate accommodations filled with Southern comforts and local charm, a vibrant atmosphere, afternoon cocktails in The Judge lobby bar – the setting allows guests to experience the town as a Tylerite,” she says.

Cryer is a fourth-generation Tylerite. Her great-great grandfather, Thomas Brown Ramey, operated a jewelry shop on the square.

“My great grandfather, Thomas Boyd Ramey Sr., was a lawyer and founder of the Texas Rose Festival. My grandfather, Judge Thomas Boyd Ramey Jr., is ‘The Judge.’ My dad is Thomas Boyd Ramey III, and he teaches quite a few of our Bourbon 101 classes in the bar. And believe it or not, even my husband’s father is William Thomas Cryer.”

At the hotel, Cryer welcomes guests into her family.

“We know Tyler is a great destination for many, and we know we can provide excellent accommodations,” she says. “When you’re in Tyler, you’ll feel like you’re home.”

These projects and more will enhance downtown through beautification, spurring economic vitality, and refocusing the community’s fondness for the city’s heart.

“Providing opportunities for the community to live, work and play downtown is vital in establishing an enticing environment that retains and attracts developers, a talented workforce, and businesses,” Varona says.

Rebecca Deurlein contributed to this article.