Downtown Improvement Project

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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 is scheduled to begin in fall 2025 and continue 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 Utilites and Information Technology funds.

Some street closures will begin as early as July 2025 to allow for courthouse construction, but regular updates will be provided throughout the process. Updates will also be posted on this page to keep residents informed about construction timelines, road closures, and public meetings.

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!


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 is scheduled to begin in fall 2025 and continue 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 Utilites and Information Technology funds.

Some street closures will begin as early as July 2025 to allow for courthouse construction, but regular updates will be provided throughout the process. Updates will also be posted on this page to keep residents informed about construction timelines, road closures, and public meetings.

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!


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  • Share Will there be a place to cool off as a family, like a splash pad since Tyler is so hot in the summer? on Facebook Share Will there be a place to cool off as a family, like a splash pad since Tyler is so hot in the summer? on Twitter Share Will there be a place to cool off as a family, like a splash pad since Tyler is so hot in the summer? on Linkedin Email Will there be a place to cool off as a family, like a splash pad since Tyler is so hot in the summer? link

    Will there be a place to cool off as a family, like a splash pad since Tyler is so hot in the summer?

    Morganne asked 19 days ago

    Because the new green space sits right in front of the courthouse, we felt it wasn’t the best place for swimwear, with many people visiting for official business. Instead, we’ll be adding large umbrellas in the southwest corner of the square to provide a shaded spot for relaxing. For splash pads and pool fun, the City offers five splash pads and a community pool. You can find locations and details at City Pool & Splashpads.

  • Share Will there be a public restroom added to the downtown area? on Facebook Share Will there be a public restroom added to the downtown area? on Twitter Share Will there be a public restroom added to the downtown area? on Linkedin Email Will there be a public restroom added to the downtown area? link

    Will there be a public restroom added to the downtown area?

    Drakear asked 20 days ago

    Yes, there will be public restrooms on the northwest corner of the square underneath the lifted green space. See the picture below! 

Page last updated: 29 Jul 2025, 05:00 PM