New Loft Development Approved at Former Site of King Chevrolet in Downtown Tyler

Loft living in Downtown Tyler is about to be expanded.

Tyler City Council approved the sale of a city-owned tract of land in in Downtown Tyler that was once the location of King Chevrolet. The 3.75 acre tract of land, located on North Bonner Avenue across from City Hall, will soon be developed into 96 apartment lofts and 4,99 square feet of commercial and retail space.

Mike Butler, the project architect, has long been an advocate for Downtown Tyler having been involved in several key efforts.

“This is a significant project because of the energy it brings to Tyler in general and downtown specifically. I was involved in Tyler 21 and Tyler 1st planning initiatives. This residential project dovetails directly with the thoughts of those studies. Residential is one of the key legs of a successful downtown. This project is in line with trends across the country,” Butler commented.

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Beverly Abell, Director of Tyler Main Street Program and Heart of Tyler, Inc. agrees.  “In the decade I have worked in downtown Tyler, I have seen the demand for housing only grow.  Many people want to live downtown for the sense of neighborhood, a desire for uniqueness and authenticity, and to live in a neighborhood where one can still walk or bicycle for goods, services, entertainment and more,” she says.

City Manager Ed Broussard stated that “the sale of this portion of the King Chevrolet property begins a resurgence for downtown on this far west end.  We have seen incredible redevelopment of our beautiful downtown around the square and along Broadway, and now we will experience this with the west end of downtown.” 

King Chevrolet is probably best remembered for its outlandish radio and television commercials starring owner, Jack King, Jr. Here's a humorous imitation of the notorious ads.

The improvements to Downtown Tyler are continuing to develop.

“This represents the largest single investment ever in terms of residential development in downtown Tyler,” Burrow said.  “Major improvements in downtown in recent years have made this project possible.  Gallery Main Street, Liberty Hall, the new parking garage on Broadway, the success of the renovated People’s Petroleum Building, and great restaurants  – all of these efforts help make Tyler attractive to residents who want to live downtown,” Burrow added.  “We are now working with the City to attract a boutique hotel to another portion of the property,” he stated. 

The Scarborough family, originally from Henderson, have been successful in the energy and real estate industries for many years and are passionate about Tyler and are very excited about the Westpark at Downtown.  "We would like to thank the City of Tyler for working with us on this project. We believe this will be a great addition to the historic downtown district and allow Tyler’s residents to enjoy all that it has to offer," stated Samuel Scarborough who will oversee the family’s latest project.