The City of Tyler launched CreateTyler.com, a website designed to ease residents' frustration and inform them of downtown construction as its transformation begins. (Contributed Photo)

A group of community partners have launched CreateTyler.com, a website designed make to things easier for residents and inform them of construction as a downtown transformation begins.

“When all this construction starts downtown, it’s going to be just a little bit chaotic,” Tyler Mayor Don Warren said. “This website is to help you from being frustrated.”

Create Tyler is a joint effort between the City of Tyler, Fitzpatrick Architects, and 14Forty Marketing & Consulting, according to its website. Launched in May, the collective effort is committed to sharing information about projects and structures that fuel Tyler’s progress and shape local culture.

Construction can lead to detours or other inconveniences. Ultimately, it can be hard to identify progress “when it just looks like construction,” according to the Create Tyler website. This can make residents feel out of the loop or even worried their town might fall behind.

The website aims to do the opposite. For local residents, it’s “your seat at the table” to find out first-hand what’s going on around the city.

As members of the Tyler community, organizers said they share residents’ anticipation and curiosity when new construction projects break ground. They acknowledge the frustration being “out of touch with what’s happening in your own backyard.”

“That’s why Create Tyler exists,” the website states. “We’re joining forces as Tyler’s builders and storytellers to give you a seat at the table as Tyler comes together in spirit, in space, and in vision – starting with downtown.”

When residents visit the website, they will see an interactive map that shows projects in progress, completed, road closures and more. Residents can access further details on each project, including dates, builders, concept renderings and more.

The site includes in-progress projects such as The Wilcox and the courthouse parking garage, upcoming projects like the Blackstone Hotel, downtown Square, and the Smith County courthouse, along with concepts/potential projects and those coming soon/preparing to break ground.

Once projects are completed, they’ll be marked on the website as well. There are several completed projects viewable on the website, including the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, downtown Southside Bank, The Foundry, People’s Petroleum Building, Plaza Tower and West Oak Townhomes.

Once a project is clicked on, the website brings up information about it, including the start date and estimated completion date and other key facts. For example, the parking garage construction began in fall 2023 and is expected to be wrapped up by fall 2024, and the downtown square revamp is expected to start in spring 2025 and be completed by spring 2028. The current square will transform into a public green space with an amphitheater, shade structures and more.

Since the website is connected with the builders behind the projects, it’s a safe place to receive reliable information “straight from the source,” the website states.

“We believe Tyler has good bones – history, personality, and local landmarks we hold dear,” the website adds. “That’s why we’re not documenting the transformation of Tyler, but unveiling progress that reflects what’s always been here.”

Residents will see signs on construction sites that include the Create Tyler logo — a blue T inside a red rose with green leaves — and a QR code. When residents see that signage, they are invited to scan the QR code with their phone to access the site, which provides beginning-to-end, real-time construction updates, footage and perspectives on how the city is changing.

People can follow along by visiting the website at createtyler.com. Residents are also encouraged to follow Create Tyler on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for real-time updates.

IN PROGRESS

The following projects are in the construction phase:

The Wilcox

230 S. Broadway Ave.

Start date: Spring 2023

Completion date: July 2024

Courthouse parking garage

200 E. Ferguson St.

Start date: Fall 2023

Completion date: Fall 2024

COMING SOON

The following are preparing to break ground:

Blackstone Hotel

Corner of Broadway and Ferguson

Start date: Summer 2024

Completion date: Fall 2026

Downtown Square

Start date: Spring 2025

Completion date: Spring 2028

Smith County Courthouse

100 N. Broadway Ave.

Start date: Late summer/early fall 2024

Completion date: Late summer/early fall 2026

CONCEPTS

Potential projects include:

The Carlton: “The concept for this historic property, previously a hotel from 1954 to 1971, aims to revitalize it into a dynamic residential building with up to 100 modern apartment units. The project plans to bring retail space to the street level, adding more life and energy to downtown,” the website states.

Holley Motors: “The concept for the former Holley Motor Car Dealership includes transforming multiple acres on Broadway Street into a vibrant communal space serving as a gateway to downtown. With incredible Art Deco detailing and a “Front Porch” feel, it would aim to create an open and inviting area with potential for food trucks, games, and leisure,” the website states.

The Lindsey: “… a concept that will bring together nightlife, dining, residential living, co-working spaces and more in a historic property featuring 56 units. This development envisions a vibrant community hub that seamlessly integrates various aspects of urban life while preserving downtown’s rich history,” according to Create Tyler.