The Survey
In 1994, Historic Tyler, Inc. initiated a comprehensive survey of Tyler to identify and document all buildings, structures, and sites fifty years and older. Resources were rated high, medium, or low priority as to historic significance by the preservation consultant. Products of the survey research include spiral binders with resources identified as to date of construction, building materials used, current owner, past history, and consultant’s recommendations. Black and white pictures and color slides were made of all properties rated “high priority.” All property information was put on a computer disk to allow for updating by Historic Tyler and city of Tyler Planning and Zoning Department.
This survey, completed in 1999, documented 6,970 properties and identified 10 potential National Register Historic Districts, with 16 more neighborhoods possibly eligible for National Register listing.
SURVEY RECAP
1994 — Present
1994-95
Survey of central business district and surrounding neighborhoods
Funding: Junior League of Tyler, Inc. - $10,000
1996-97
Survey of Charnwood neighborhood
Preparation of National Register Nomination for 318 S. Fannin Survey of small section of central Tyler
Funding: Private individual donation and Historic Tyler, Inc. - $7,250
1997-98
Survey of North Tyler neighborhood, north of Gentry Parkway and part of central Tyler
Funding: Community Development Block Grant – City of Tyler – $12,000
Research for Charnwood National Register Historic District
Funding: Certified Local Government grant, with 50% match from private individual donation – $11,000
1998-99
Prepare the Charnwood National Register Historic District Nomination
Funding: Private donations from neighborhood property owners, Historic Tyler, Inc., Vaughn Foundation – $7,500
Survey the Azalea District and Brickstreet neighborhoods
Funding: Certified Local Government Grant with matching funds from City of Tyler - $15,000
Survey the remaining portions of North Tyler
Funding: Community Development Block Grant – City of Tyler - $11,365
1999-00
Write a comprehensive developmental history of Tyler and nominate the Cotton Belt Depot to the National Register of Historic Properties
Funding: Certified Local Government Grant with matching funds from City of Tyler, Rogers Foundation, private individual donation, and Historic Tyler, Inc. – $27,988
2000-01
Research and prepare two multiple-property nominations to the National Register of Historic Places – 1) Downtown Commercialbuildings (six individually eligible buildings) and 2) Working Class Housing (three districts)
Funding: Certified Local Government Grant and City of Tyler - $15,000
2001-02
Research and prepare nomination of Azalea District to the National Register of Historic Places
Funding: Certified Local Government Grant and City of Tyler – $22,000
2002
The Short Line, East Ferguson Street and Donnybrook Duplex Residential Districts are listed on the National Register
2003
The Azalea District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
2004
The Brick Streets Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The mission of Historic Tyler, Inc. is to promote the preservation and protection of historic structures and sites through education, involvement, and public and private investment.
