Tyler gets national honor
Posted/updated on: June 18, 2026 at 2:50 pm
TYLER – The City of Tyler Main Street program has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program. The program is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is part of a network of more than 1,600 communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the United States.
“Receiving our 2026 accreditation signals that our efforts in leading revitalization, partnerships, and programming are in line with a greater movement happening nationwide: transforming historic downtowns into destinations that a community can be proud of,” said Main Street Director Amber Varona. “Main Street has worked to ensure this forward progress is advocated for and that the everyday person living, working and playing Downtown is represented in these revitalization and programming efforts.”
In 2025, Downtown Tyler saw monumental growth in both public and private developments. The Downtown Improvement Project broke ground in September, marking more than $30 million in public investment in infrastructure, public right-of-way and a reconstructed community space on the Downtown square. Nearby, the $160 million Smith County Courthouse project continued to take shape with the construction of a new nine-story courthouse.
One of the most notable private investments is the purchase by Valencia Group to construct a new, full-service, 300-room hotel on the square, filling a much-needed hospitality service in the Main Street district. The project represents $47 million in investment in Tyler commerce.
“We are proud to recognize City of Tyler’s Main Street Program as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America.
Main Street staff have also revitalized Liberty Hall, the only remaining active historic theater in Downtown Tyler, into a true community theater space. This renewal includes partnership events, children’s programming, Gallery Main Street, Art Alley and the annual Tyler Arts Festival.
