Historic Tyler on Tour, 2004
Martin Heines Penthouse, 305 South Broadway
The lot at 305 S. Broadway has been the site of several historic buildings in Tyler's past. Dr. William Howard Bryant founded the Bryant Clinic at this address in 1934. Dr. Bryant had secured the office from his father, Dr. Benjamin T. Bryant. The 15 bed municipal hospital was one of the first air-conditioned clinics in Texas. In 1949 the clinic was relocated to 1100 S. Beckham and renamed The Medical Surgical Clinic of Tyler. Later the clinic's name was changed to Trinity Clinic.
After Dr. Bryant's clinic was sold and moved he hired architect, Melvin Cates to begin plans for a twelve-story office building. The Bryant Petroleum was finished in 1955. Many oil companies, insurance companies, a dentist and Melvin Cates, the architect leased space in the new structure. The Petroleum Club was located on the twelfth floor. The Petroleum Club moved out in the 1960s and the top floor has been used as offices for several businesses thru the years. KTBB Radio station occupied the space for several years as well.
H.L. Richey owned the building from 1980 until the present owner Martin Heines purchased it in September 2001.
In December 2002 Mr. Heines began plans for his new home, a Cosmopolitan Penthouse on the twelfth floor of his building. The designer for the apartment was Suzanne McClure. The project manager was Mark Way. Mr. Heines acted as the general contractor. Local vendors have been used to do the work, whenever possible.
The 2300 square foot residence is accessed thru an elevator or a very narrow stairway. The penthouse has curved walls painted in faux suede throughout the two large living areas, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The hard wood Birch floors are laid on the diagonal. The bar and kitchen are constructed of black granite. The bathrooms and showers are marble with granite flooring. A large balcony runs along the entire north side of the penthouse.
The furnishings and accessories are a sleek contemporary design. Mr. Heines is in the process of choosing art for his home from several galleries featuring international artists. The lighting is museum quality with a monorail system and pendant lighting.
The interior of Martin Heines home has the feel of New York or Los Angeles, but the most wonderful aspect of the penthouse are the magnificent views of Tyler.
