Advocacy
Historic Tyler has been the voice of preservation since its founding in 1977. When historically significant structures are threatened with demolition, neglect, or alterations not in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, Historic Tyler intervenes on their behalf.
Advocacy efforts include an attempt to save the 1920’s Blackstone Hotel from demolition in the 1980’s and the successful purchase of the Lewis Hotel/1881 Smith County Jail when it was at risk in 1986. Historic Tyler has been instrumental in preserving the Fitzgerald House, the Bonner-Whitaker-McClendon House, the 1904 Carnegie Library, the Cotton Belt Depot, the Coats-Gafney Clinic (P.A.T.H. headquarters), the Liberty House, the Goodman Museum and Tyler’s brick streets.
Current efforts include working to save the Spring Street facades on the downtown square, supporting renovation of the Liberty Theatre, and preserving structures in Tyler’s six National Register Historic Districts.
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.
