An old ticket window at the Mayfair Building, photographed in Tyler, Texas, on Thursday, April 20, 2017. The building was constructed in the early 20th century and has hosted a number of well-known musicians, including Elvis Presley, for performances.

A Tyler building will be recognized nationally for its historical significance.

On Wednesday, the Tyler City Council voted to accept a grant from the Texas Historical Commission Certified Local Government Grants to fund the Mayfair Building National Historic Landmark Nomination.

The city will match the $6,676 grant with a one-to-one match for the $13,352 cost of the project.

Certified Local Government grants provide funding to participating city and county governments to develop and sustain an effective local preservation program critical to preserving local historic resources.

As part of Phase 1 of the Rose Complex contract with WRL Construction, awarded on April 28, 2021, Tyler’s historic Mayfair concert hall was included for rehabilitation.

“Saving this historic structure preserves the unique history of the Rose Complex, the City of Tyler, and the East Texas region,” said Deputy City Manager Stephanie Franklin. “The Mayfair concert hall will be a great place for Texas artists and musicians to perform where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash once played for East Texas crowds. We are excited for the facility to be recognized nationally for its historical significance.”

The Mayfair building, along with Tyler’s new W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, is a part of Phase 1 of the Rose Complex Master Plan.

The building is 12,320 square feet.

The planning process for the master plan began in 2016 and the master plan was approved in July 2017. Community feedback included that residents want to “protect the history and the culture of this area,” Franklin previously told the Morning Telegraph.

“Tyler has many historic buildings, but I would argue that the Mayfair is one of the most significant in that the history associated with this property transcends local significance and state significance,” Ashley Washmon, executive director for Historic Tyler, previously said.

The goal is to make the Mayfair building an attraction while keeping the historic characteristics that the community loves. Preserving the Mayfair’s historic value also will help to draw more tourists because it offers a unique experience, Franklin said.

“When we’re marketing this complex … the things that are in this facility that we are planning, including the Mayfair, really set us apart from other destinations,” Franklin said. “It’s why you want to plan your conference, why you want to come to Tyler because there is a piece of history that is part of this …”

Phase 1 of the Mayfair work will include rehabilitation. Future plans including using the armory building next to it as a pavilion, creating a food truck park and installing a tree grove across the street to create a space that functions indoor and outdoor, Franklin previously said.

When completed, the Mayfair will be able to serve multiple functions, including offering additional breakout rooms when conferences are held at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center.