Chapter 4 of the
Tyler 21 Plan is dedicated to developing goals and action plans to revitalize Tyler's Downtown. The five goals contained in the chapter include:
- Create a full-service, mixed-use "Destination Downtown" that functions as the center of the region.
- Create new urban residential districts and improve existing districts with infill.
- Support the location of new anchor destinations in downtown with City actions.
- Enhance the public realm including existing streets, parks, plazas, and open areas, and create new signature public spaces.
- Create a pedestrian, bicycle and parking plan to enhance access and connections to downtown.
Since the adoption of the Tyler 21 Plan in Nov. 2007, implementation of the Downtown Master Plan has been dramatic. Please take a look at all that has been accomplished...and hold on to your hats because the Downtown is BAC(k)!
Establishment of the Downtown TIF/TIRZ
On Feb. 27, 2008 the City of Tyler established a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) in downtown Tyler. The zone will utilize Tax Increment Financing to foster redevelopment in the area. This action is a direct result of recommendations made as part of the City's twenty-year comprehensive plan,
Tyler 21. (More about the TIF/TIRZ in Downtown Tyler)
Adoption of the Unified Development Code
At their meeting on April 23, the Tyler City Council unanimously approved the new Unified Development Code (UDC) that will include new regulations related to zoning, subdivision design and improvements, landscaping, drainage, streets and historic preservation. The new Unified Development Code is a major outcome of the Tyler 21 planning process and puts into ordinance many of the ideas developed from community feedback and recommended in the Plan. (More information on the UDC)
Launch of the Business, Arts and Culture District in Downtown
On Friday, May 2, 2008, the City of Tyler and the Heart of Tyler held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially mark the launch of the new Business, Arts and Culture District in downtown Tyler.
Specific changes to the Code that impact Downtown and will transform it from a business district into a Business, Arts and Culture District include:
seas for property in the District have been expanded to include art studios, ceramics operations, framing stores, art workshops, photography and other arts businesses.
Grocers have now been allowed to encourage residency in the District.
Outdoor storage will no longer be allowed.
Sidewalk sales are encouraged by permit only.
Horizontally projected signs are now allowed.
(More information about the BAC)
Purchase of the Liberty Theater - the New Home for the East Texas Symphony Orchestra
At a news conference held March 26, 2008, Tyler Mayor Joey Seeber announced that the East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association (ETSOA) has entered into an agreement with the City of Tyler to locate its administrative offices in downtown Tyler and lead an effort to renovate the former Liberty Theater into a recital and performance hall. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was approved by the City Council that details the agreement to make ETSOA a major anchor in the soon to be created Tyler 21 Downtown Business, Arts and Culture District. (More about the Liberty Theater project)
Half Mile of History Heritage Walk in Downtown
On March 6, the City of Tyler unveiled its new historic preservation program, the Half Mile of History. 
The program resulted from a recommendation that came out of the Tyler 21 planning process and its goal is to pay tribute to people, places and events that have contributed to the rich history of Tyler and Smith County.
The Half Mile of History is a permanent, outdoor, half-mile loop that surrounds the square in the heart of downtown Tyler. Stone plaques will be placed in the sidewalk along the Half Mile of History to commemorate significant people, places or events. (More information on the Half Mile of History)