Leadership Tyler alumni host downtown tours

Published 5:40 am Sunday, October 8, 2023

Tyler resident Randy Weaver and his wife have lived in the city since 1966, but there are still some downtown attractions they’ve never explored.

“Even living here for a long time, I’ve learned a couple of things today,” Weaver said. “There’s lots of stuff to learn.”

Leadership Tyler Alumni held Downtown Day on Saturday to introduce people to downtown.

“We know things that are going on down here, but there’s a whole lot of our community that don’t live, work or play downtown,” said Jackie Cannon, Leadership Tyler alumni director.

Leadership Tyler is a group with the mission to equip leaders to enrich the community.

“We are very proud of our quality of life and everything in Tyler,” Cannon said. “We want people who come here as executives to blend into that and know what we’re talking about and to keep it that way.”

Even people who are involved in the community only know some of what downtown has to offer, said Ashley Wilson, LT Class 35 representative. Class 35 thought bringing the organization to do tours would be an excellent way to teach interested people about downtown Tyler.

“I’ve learned a lot. My son has learned a lot about what’s going on now, what renovations are going to happen, what buildings are coming, what organizations are coming and what companies are coming. It is very fascinating,” Wilson said.

The event offered opportunities to enjoy a few downtown staples, like a yoga class with Be Free Yoga and e-bike tours with Ride Tyler. Attendees looked more closely at historic and soon-to-be renovated properties like the Wilcox Building, Carlton Hotel, Fair Building and Liberty Hall. The program included a map of downtown Tyler’s new and existing businesses – restaurants, activities, retail, family fun and more.

Many people choose to live in Tyler because of its impressive school districts or medical districts, but there is also a vibrant downtown with spots like ETX Brewing Co., Rose City Modern Vintage and much more.

“We just like people to know it’s here. Everything isn’t for everyone, but something is for someone,” Cannon said.