Downtown Tyler’s Transformation Brings Closures and New Green Spaces

(Tyler, Texas) For decades, Tylerites could head to downtown Tyler and admire the rose bushes, sit under large blooming crape myrtles, and listen to the fountains spray water, while also visiting many of the historical and memorial monuments on the square.

What the Downtown Improvement Project Includes

As of last week, that beauty is now a thing of the past as downtown Tyler is undergoing a major transformation with the Downtown Improvement Project (DIP). The multi-year transformation project aims to transform downtown Tyler into a more pedestrian-friendly community, featuring increased green space, walking paths, restrooms, and a food truck area.

However, with a construction project of this magnitude, there will be growing pains for people doing business downtown and for businesses that call downtown home.

How Traffic and Businesses Will Be Impacted

One of the first major disruptions is going to be the closure of College Avenue between Ferguson and Erwin Streets beginning Tuesday, September 16.

This is going to affect traffic headed south on College Avenue, and for those trying to park and grab Andy’s Frozen Custard, get to their reservations at Prime 102, access The People’s Petroleum Building, or the Plaza Tower.

Parking Solutions During Construction

Thankfully, though, there will be ample parking in the back of those buildings, so everyone can get their business done and get their frozen custard!

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Timeline for Downtown Tyler’s Transformation

The Downtown Improvement Project is more than above-ground beautification; there's also an underground infrastructure portion. The project is expected to be completed in early 2028, just a while after the completion of the new Smith County Courthouse, which is currently under construction on the eastern side of downtown Tyler.