Historic Tyler on Tour, 2008
The Emmerich Home
1326 Roseland Boulevard
South of the Historic Charnwood Residential area in the Azalea District is one of Tyler’s most prestigious estates. When this house was built in 1948 for Fred Weeks and his wife Katie, the population of Tyler was no more than 28,000.
Mr. Weeks, an attorney, and his family lived in the home until 1978. After that, the home was vacant for a time. By 1982, it had been purchased by Dr. Asa Lockhart, an anesthesiologist, and his wife Joy. The Lockharts made some cosmetic changes and remodeled the kitchen. Actually, the kitchen had been a servants’ kitchen. This was changed into an updated kitchen, and the butler’s pantry became a morning room. After owning the home for over twenty years, the Lockharts sold the home to Paul and Machelle Emmerich in 2005.
Situated on three city lots, this elegant French Colonial Revival style home features a two-story circular foyer and a grand staircase in the entry. Many rose queens have used this lovely staircase as a formal setting for their photographs.
The formal living room features dentil moldings, as well as, a hand carved mantel and marble fireplace. The demilune-shaped dining room also features the dentil moldings and a stunning chandelier. From the dining room, fabulous windows overlook massive azalea plantings and manicured grounds with large stately trees providing a magnificent view. Crystal chandeliers, most of which are original to the home, are found in many rooms throughout the home.
A unique hidden bar and elevator were found in the house when the Emmerichs purchased the home. A covered walkway separates the main house from the garage and guest quarters which reflect the same French Colonial architecture as the main house. The upstairs of the guest quarters with its colorful history has been renovated and is affectionately referred to by Paul and Machelle as the “Oil Baron’s Suite.”
Moving to Tyler from out-of-state, Machelle is no stranger to the area. Though she was not born here, she has descendants reaching back to the 1840s in Tyler and the East Texas area. As the Emmerichs lovingly restore and maintain their home, it is their wish to preserve the integrity of the house by being careful to keep its original design and grandeur.
Thank you, Paul and Machelle, for sharing your elegant home with Historic Tyler on Tour 2008.
