Historic Tyler Inc. has awarded United Way of Smith County a $50,000 grant for the restoration of the historic 1932 Women’s Building in Tyler. The funding, to be distributed in $10,000 installments over five years, will address urgent needs including leaks in the original roof, siding, and other infrastructure to enhance safety and preserve the landmark building. The announcement was made Thursday at Historic Tyler’s annual membership meeting held at Willow Brook County Club.
At the meeting, Ross Durr was inaugurated as the new president of Historic Tyler, succeeding Taylor Fitzgerald. New 2026-2027 board members were introduced, and several members received awards for their preservation work.
The grant originated from a conversation between Jessi Reel, executive director of Historic Tyler, and Devon Smith, development director for United Way. Reel learned United Way faced challenges maintaining the 94-year-old building, which was originally established by the Tyler Woman’s Forum as a community fellowship center. Historic Tyler, founded in 1977, dedicates itself to the preservation and rehabilitation of Tyler’s historical architectural and cultural structures through education, advocacy, community involvement, and strategic investment, according to its website.
John Gaston, CEO of United Way of Smith County, stated the grant enables the nonprofit to continue improving the building for the community. He outlined two primary goals for the facility: to serve as an accessible community center for civic and arts events, and to ensure its long-term preservation. Gaston stressed the importance of timely repairs, particularly for a building he described as a "landmark and it's historic with the State of Texas," to prevent higher costs later. He expressed hope that the grant will allow the building to endure for another 94 years.
Jessi Reel highlighted Historic Tyler’s foundational role in establishing the city’s historic districts and emphasized the significant, yet worthwhile, investment required for maintaining old buildings. She noted that while United Way's core mission is to raise money for its agencies, not historic preservation, the organization desires to preserve the building. Reel expressed that the grant aims to kickstart further community fundraising for the Women's Building. Historic Tyler funds its preservation projects and membership efforts primarily through its largest fundraiser, "Historic Tyler on Tour," which began in 1981 and annually opens homes in Tyler's historic districts to the public in March. Silent auction items at the annual meeting also contributed to the nonprofit's funds.
During the evening, Allison Jarvis, longtime member and treasurer at Historic Tyler, received the 2026 Therese Pace Volunteer Award. Joan Pyron, the original owner of the Pyron House and Garden, and new owners Daniel Nagore and Cooper Nagore-Adams, were presented with the Ellen and John Musselman Preservation Award for their work on the property. Outgoing president Taylor Fitzgerald noted that these awards encourage others in the community to preserve older buildings.
Reel expressed excitement for the grant's impact on United Way’s building and for Historic Tyler’s continued success as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027. Fitzgerald reflected on accomplishments during his presidency, including the Pollard District receiving its historic designation from the Texas Historical Commission.
