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A one-story Regions Bank building in downtown Tyler, once a hub of financial activity, is undergoing demolition as part of efforts to repurpose the historic site.

“Any minute now, we should be getting the final permit from the City of Tyler to begin the demolition of the front building,” said Russell Patterson, son of building owner Robert Patterson.

Demolition of the one-story bank building at Broadway Avenue and Ferguson Street is getting underway. The structure consists of two sections: a 12-story tower and a one-story bank lobby, originally part of a bank. The tower, with dozens of businesses and operating offices, will remain in tact.

The tower remains as plans aimed to modernize and align with ongoing downtown redevelopment efforts ensue. A new vestibule is planned for the south side of the tower, creating a redesigned access point. The area will be seeded and irrigated, transforming it into a park-like setting for downtown until a development project moves forward.

The owners were approached by a hotel group, which is currently under contract to purchase the land. Whether or not the sale closes, the plan remains to demolish the front building, Patterson said.

The new vestibule will lead directly to whatever development takes place in the neighboring lot, with access to the elevator lobby. Once the hotel or another development is built tenants will have access to amenities such as a hotel bar, coffee house and restaurant through a walkway.

On the second floor, recent upgrades include new chandeliers in the lobby off the elevator and new tiles, keeping the building in step with the ongoing improvements in the area.

The lobby once featured a large horseshoe-shaped teller station with approximately 30 tellers. Built around 1980, the space has since become functionally obsolete. Currently vacant, the building has no electricity, gas or air conditioning

First Place, as the building is called, has unique historical significance. It sits on Lot 1, Block 1 of the City of Tyler — the first designated lot in the city’s history, according to Patterson. This adds to the site’s history as it undergoes redevelopment.

Robert Patterson purchased the building in 2005. Over the years, he has come to appreciate both the building and downtown Tyler. With the new courthouse and the redesigned square, he has seen the area evolve.

With bids and contractors already in place, the project is now awaiting the permits before moving forward. Fences will be placed around the perimeter of the one-story building, and portions of Broadway Avenue may be impacted. Street closures or lane reductions may be necessary to accommodate heavy equipment during demolition. Sidewalk access will also be modified as the work progresses.

A dumpster was placed in front of the building this week as demolition gets underway. Everything, including the foundation, will be torn down, leaving the site cleared to only dirt.