Tyler City Council approves moving forward with Downtown Tyler Improvement Project

Tyler City Council approves to move forward with Downtown Tyler Improvement Project
KLTV

KLTV
By Kristine Guevara
Published: Jan. 10, 2024 at 7:31 PM GMT-7

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Plans to revitalize downtown Tyler are moving forward, with the approval of city council. It will cost the city over $2 million as they continue their contract with Fitzpatrick Architects and Halff Associates.

The $2 million covers the architectural and engineering services for the design and plan production, bidding, and construction of the project.

“We have worked diligently over the past few years to really get a grasp of what the community needs, what would be best for them. What’s something that the community can be proud of.” said City of Tyler Main street director, Amber Verona.

The project will be divided into two phases. Phase one is reconstructing the infrastructure surrounding the square, from Ferguson Street, to College Avenue, to Erwin Street.

Verona said, “So we’re going to be looking at sidewalks, streets, things to set up the traffic ways, the pedestrian movements, the multi-modal aspect of it.”

Phase two focuses on re-doing the current square, adding three acres of green space, seating, and space for food trucks.

“To make it back to what it was where it was really the cultural hub for trade, for gathering, for enjoyment, spend a whole day in downtown.” said Verona.

The city is hoping to break ground on phase one by this fall, completing it by spring of 2026. phase two is expected to break ground by summer of the same year with an estimated completion date of summer 2027.

“It’s something that we’ve dreamed about and like what we’ve said before with the Conference Center, you know, you see the vision and you see the dream. This is a good step going forward. I’m very proud of our community.” said city of Tyler Mayor, Don Warren.

The city is also working on a website to keep the community up to date on the project. That is set to launch in a few months.