Downtown Improvement Project

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Road closures and traffic changes:

  • Fannin Avenue between Erwin Street and Ferguson Street is closed.

  • West Ferguson Street from Broadway Avenue to Bois D'Arc Avenue is closed, and work has started.

  • Ferguson Street between Bonner and Bois D'Arc Avenue has been converted to two-way.

  • Spring Avenue between East Ferguson Street and East Line Street has been converted to two-way.

  • Erwin Street between Spring Avenue and Fannin Avenue remains closed as part of the Smith County Courthouse improvements.

Consent Decree Update:

  • West Elm Street between Broadway Avenue and College Avenue is projected to be open by the end of June.


Access and detours
Access to nearby businesses, parking areas, and sidewalks will remain available where possible. Drivers are encouraged to follow posted detour signs, allow extra travel time, and use alternate routes when possible while work is underway in the Downtown area.

Free parking is available at the Fair Plaza Parking Garage, located at 208 S. College Ave., and the Smith County Parking Garage, located at 210 E. Ferguson St.


About the Project

Big changes are coming to Downtown Tyler. Over the next three years, the heart of our city will be transformed into a more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. This exciting project is the result of a strong partnership between the City of Tyler and Smith County, working together to create a downtown that connects people, supports businesses, and reflects the future of our growing community.

At the center of this project is the complete redesign of the Downtown Square. The new square will feature a beautiful community green space, places to sit, public restrooms, and even a small area for food trucks. This new area will offer open space designed to host large events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year.

In addition to the green space, major upgrades are coming to the streets and sidewalks surrounding downtown. Streets will be converted back to two-way traffic with the addition of roundabouts to help slow down traffic without stopping the flow. Sidewalks will be wider to give pedestrians more space, and new landscaping, lighting, benches, and outdoor dining areas will make Downtown more inviting. The improvements will make it easier and safer to walk, shop, dine, and enjoy Downtown.

The project also includes a major investment in parking, mobility, and future growth. Smith County has already completed a new parking garage with 500 spaces, and construction is now underway for the new Smith County Courthouse, which will serve as a landmark at the center of Downtown. Additional parking changes, road closures, and traffic adjustments will continue during construction to keep the project moving forward.

To support economic growth, the City and County are also working with private partners to bring new businesses, restaurants, and residential spaces to Downtown. Already, several historic buildings are being renovated, and plans are underway for a new boutique hotel, The Blackstone by Valencia Hotel Group, which will bring visitors and new energy to the area.

The Downtown Improvement Project is being carefully planned in phases to minimize disruption while moving the work forward. Phase I will focus on improvements along Erwin Street, Broadway Avenue, Ferguson Street, and College Avenue. Phase II will complete the new West green space on the Square. Construction began in fall 2025 and continues over the next three years, with a total investment of $25.5 million, including $10.7 million of allocated ARPA funds exchanged through the Half Cent Sales Tax Fund, and the remaining portion paid for by Tyler Water Utilities and Information Technology funds.

The Downtown Improvement Project is more than just construction. It is about building a Downtown that reflects who we are as a community and where we are going as a city. By investing in Downtown Tyler, we are creating a destination for residents and visitors, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that Tyler remains a great place to live, work, and enjoy for generations to come.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to ask a question about the Downtown Improvement Project!




Road closures and traffic changes:

  • Fannin Avenue between Erwin Street and Ferguson Street is closed.

  • West Ferguson Street from Broadway Avenue to Bois D'Arc Avenue is closed, and work has started.

  • Ferguson Street between Bonner and Bois D'Arc Avenue has been converted to two-way.

  • Spring Avenue between East Ferguson Street and East Line Street has been converted to two-way.

  • Erwin Street between Spring Avenue and Fannin Avenue remains closed as part of the Smith County Courthouse improvements.

Consent Decree Update:

  • West Elm Street between Broadway Avenue and College Avenue is projected to be open by the end of June.


Access and detours
Access to nearby businesses, parking areas, and sidewalks will remain available where possible. Drivers are encouraged to follow posted detour signs, allow extra travel time, and use alternate routes when possible while work is underway in the Downtown area.

Free parking is available at the Fair Plaza Parking Garage, located at 208 S. College Ave., and the Smith County Parking Garage, located at 210 E. Ferguson St.


About the Project

Big changes are coming to Downtown Tyler. Over the next three years, the heart of our city will be transformed into a more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. This exciting project is the result of a strong partnership between the City of Tyler and Smith County, working together to create a downtown that connects people, supports businesses, and reflects the future of our growing community.

At the center of this project is the complete redesign of the Downtown Square. The new square will feature a beautiful community green space, places to sit, public restrooms, and even a small area for food trucks. This new area will offer open space designed to host large events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year.

In addition to the green space, major upgrades are coming to the streets and sidewalks surrounding downtown. Streets will be converted back to two-way traffic with the addition of roundabouts to help slow down traffic without stopping the flow. Sidewalks will be wider to give pedestrians more space, and new landscaping, lighting, benches, and outdoor dining areas will make Downtown more inviting. The improvements will make it easier and safer to walk, shop, dine, and enjoy Downtown.

The project also includes a major investment in parking, mobility, and future growth. Smith County has already completed a new parking garage with 500 spaces, and construction is now underway for the new Smith County Courthouse, which will serve as a landmark at the center of Downtown. Additional parking changes, road closures, and traffic adjustments will continue during construction to keep the project moving forward.

To support economic growth, the City and County are also working with private partners to bring new businesses, restaurants, and residential spaces to Downtown. Already, several historic buildings are being renovated, and plans are underway for a new boutique hotel, The Blackstone by Valencia Hotel Group, which will bring visitors and new energy to the area.

The Downtown Improvement Project is being carefully planned in phases to minimize disruption while moving the work forward. Phase I will focus on improvements along Erwin Street, Broadway Avenue, Ferguson Street, and College Avenue. Phase II will complete the new West green space on the Square. Construction began in fall 2025 and continues over the next three years, with a total investment of $25.5 million, including $10.7 million of allocated ARPA funds exchanged through the Half Cent Sales Tax Fund, and the remaining portion paid for by Tyler Water Utilities and Information Technology funds.

The Downtown Improvement Project is more than just construction. It is about building a Downtown that reflects who we are as a community and where we are going as a city. By investing in Downtown Tyler, we are creating a destination for residents and visitors, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that Tyler remains a great place to live, work, and enjoy for generations to come.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to ask a question about the Downtown Improvement Project!




Ask a Question

Do you have questions about the Downtown Improvement Project? Ask them here to get a response from a project team member.

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  • Share I didn't learn to drive until I was 34 y/o. I'm now 64. I avoid the Loop and stay off most highways. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to drive through the round-about the City is installing. Is there a way to get on Ferguson from Front Street or Broadway without using the round-about? Will Spring Street be open as an alternative? I've only lived in Tyler for 18 months. on Facebook Share I didn't learn to drive until I was 34 y/o. I'm now 64. I avoid the Loop and stay off most highways. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to drive through the round-about the City is installing. Is there a way to get on Ferguson from Front Street or Broadway without using the round-about? Will Spring Street be open as an alternative? I've only lived in Tyler for 18 months. on Twitter Share I didn't learn to drive until I was 34 y/o. I'm now 64. I avoid the Loop and stay off most highways. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to drive through the round-about the City is installing. Is there a way to get on Ferguson from Front Street or Broadway without using the round-about? Will Spring Street be open as an alternative? I've only lived in Tyler for 18 months. on Linkedin Email I didn't learn to drive until I was 34 y/o. I'm now 64. I avoid the Loop and stay off most highways. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to drive through the round-about the City is installing. Is there a way to get on Ferguson from Front Street or Broadway without using the round-about? Will Spring Street be open as an alternative? I've only lived in Tyler for 18 months. link

    I didn't learn to drive until I was 34 y/o. I'm now 64. I avoid the Loop and stay off most highways. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to drive through the round-about the City is installing. Is there a way to get on Ferguson from Front Street or Broadway without using the round-about? Will Spring Street be open as an alternative? I've only lived in Tyler for 18 months.

    Coral asked 18 days ago

    Yes, there will be several alternatives if you wish to avoid the two single lane roundabouts. Streets will be reverted to two-way, and you can utilize College Avenue or Fannin Avenue to continue north and south. Erwin Street and College Avenue will also be converted to two-way. 

  • Share The prior square area was a congregation spot for the homeless and I frequently saw open drug use. Is there a plan to keep this new and improved square area safe and clean? on Facebook Share The prior square area was a congregation spot for the homeless and I frequently saw open drug use. Is there a plan to keep this new and improved square area safe and clean? on Twitter Share The prior square area was a congregation spot for the homeless and I frequently saw open drug use. Is there a plan to keep this new and improved square area safe and clean? on Linkedin Email The prior square area was a congregation spot for the homeless and I frequently saw open drug use. Is there a plan to keep this new and improved square area safe and clean? link

    The prior square area was a congregation spot for the homeless and I frequently saw open drug use. Is there a plan to keep this new and improved square area safe and clean?

    J asked 26 days ago

    Downtown Tyler added designated police officers in 2025 to specifically patrol the Downtown area, in addition to the City’s homeless resource officers, who focus on connecting individuals with resources and addressing related concerns. The new green space will also include bright lighting to keep the area visible at night, and staff will be on-site daily to maintain and clean it.

  • Share Does the Downtown Improvement Project include demolition of the historic Carlton parking garage? When is full demolition expected to begin/complete? on Facebook Share Does the Downtown Improvement Project include demolition of the historic Carlton parking garage? When is full demolition expected to begin/complete? on Twitter Share Does the Downtown Improvement Project include demolition of the historic Carlton parking garage? When is full demolition expected to begin/complete? on Linkedin Email Does the Downtown Improvement Project include demolition of the historic Carlton parking garage? When is full demolition expected to begin/complete? link

    Does the Downtown Improvement Project include demolition of the historic Carlton parking garage? When is full demolition expected to begin/complete?

    D asked 27 days ago

    The Carlton parking garage is not part of the Downtown Improvement Project, as it is owned privately.

  • Share when will the space in front of ricks be open??????????? on Facebook Share when will the space in front of ricks be open??????????? on Twitter Share when will the space in front of ricks be open??????????? on Linkedin Email when will the space in front of ricks be open??????????? link

    when will the space in front of ricks be open???????????

    Yulisa Salinas asked about 1 month ago

    The space is on track to be completed by the end of the month and will be reopen the first week of June, weather permitting. 

  • Share When is it going to be finished on Facebook Share When is it going to be finished on Twitter Share When is it going to be finished on Linkedin Email When is it going to be finished link

    When is it going to be finished

    Ashley Rene Fountain asked 3 months ago

    The entire Downtown Improvement Project is projected to be completed by January 2028. The project is broken into phases, so portions will open along the way. For example, College Ave. is set to be open in the spring, so you can experience what one of the completed streets around the square will be like.

  • Share Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you on Facebook Share Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you on Twitter Share Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you on Linkedin Email Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you link

    Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you

    h asked 3 months ago

    Yes, crosswalk safety is certainly part of the plan. The roundabouts will help reduce traffic congestion because there will be no traffic signals. Speed will be reduced in the area, and adequate signage and reduced crosswalk distances will be implemented to ensure safe pedestrian crossings.

  • Share Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers? on Facebook Share Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers? on Twitter Share Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers? on Linkedin Email Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers? link

    Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers?

    The Loft asked 3 months ago

    There will be no parking between Erwin and Elm on Broadway, but there will be dedicated lanes for loading and unloading. This includes deliveries and patrons. Guests will be encouraged to utilize the parking garage next door.

  • Share The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely? on Facebook Share The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely? on Twitter Share The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely? on Linkedin Email The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely? link

    The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely?

    Glenn asked 4 months ago

    Safety is increased for pedestrians crossing Broadway Avenue at this crosswalk, as the speed limit in this section will be significantly reduced, in accordance with traffic laws for one-lane roundabouts.

    That portion of Broadway Ave., between Ferguson and Erwin, will be closed during specific large events that use both blocks of the green space. The crosswalk was installed at that location to facilitate easier connections during these events.

  • Share Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks! on Facebook Share Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks! on Twitter Share Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks! on Linkedin Email Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks! link

    Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks!

    joe asked 6 months ago

    Yes, bike parking will be included within the new community green space.

  • Share Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ? on Facebook Share Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ? on Twitter Share Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ? on Linkedin Email Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ? link

    Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ?

    David asked 5 months ago

    There will be no traffic signals at the roundabouts. Instead, drivers will reduce their speed and yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already circulating in the roundabout, helping traffic move smoothly and safely, decreasing wait time, and creating a continuous flow of traffic.

    To make our new community space as safe and welcoming as possible,plenty of lighting will be added throughout the area for better visibility. Lightposts will also be installed along the borders of the roundabouts and at all the street corners surrounding the green space.  


Page last updated: 09 Jun 2026, 02:17 PM