History
A prominent, historic landmark in Downtown Tyler, Texas.
The People’s history
Opened
November 5, 1932
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Developer Samuel A. Lindsey
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15
story building
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Original
Building COST $910,000
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1969
Air conditioning added
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1954
First escalator in East Texas Added
At the time, it was the tallest high-rise in East Texas and one of the largest construction projects west of the Mississippi
Originally named for its first anchor tenant, the People’s National Bank
Designed to meet the growing financial and business needs of the East Texas oil boom.
Home to oil companies, geologists, attorneys, doctors, engineers, and insurance companies.
Prominent businessmen officed here
H.L. Hunt
Sam R. Greer
D.K. Caldwell
A.W. “Dub” Riter Jr.
Constructed by Tyler
Contractors Campbell & White
The People’s Design
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ART DECO SHOWPLACE INSPIRED BY CLASSICAL REVIVAL DESIGNS
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DESIGNED BY HOUSTON ARCHITECT ALFRED CHARLES FINN
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POLISHED BLACK GRANITE FRAMES THE ENTRY WITH FLUTED DETAILING
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SYMBOLIC KEYSTONE EXTENDS AROUND THE BUILDING TO ACCENT LARGE RETAIL SHOW WINDOWS
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BRICK EXTERIOR RISES FROM THE GROUND FLOOR WITH SHARP, VERTICAL PIERS TOWARD THE FINAL PENTHOUSE LEVEL
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ORIGINAL MARBLE ENTRANCE
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GRAND ART DECO BANKING LOBBY
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MARBLE-FACED ELEVATOR ENTRANCES
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POLISHED ALUMINUM HANDRAILS
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TERRAZZO FLOORS
The People’s Approval
National Register of Historic Places 2002
Entered into the National Register of Historical Places, the official national list created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
Districts, sites, building, structures and objects that are deemed worthy of preservation due to their history, architecture, archeology, engineering and cultural significance.
City of Tyler Historic Landmark 2012
Designated as a Tyler Historic Landmark, the city’s oldest and best-known preservation program.
Since 1983, this national preservation effort seeks to protect structures or properties that add cultural, economic, or social value to their respective communities.
