A Building With A Huge Cultural History In Tyler Has Been Renovated And The City Celebrated Its Re-Opening.

Music and laughter once filled the historic Mayfair building in its heyday but for several decades the historic building which once housed concerts featuring music legends like Dolly Parton and Elvis is back for a new generation to experience.

The Mayfair Celebrated Its Re-Opening on Thursday.

During the grand re-opening, Mayor Don Warren kicked off the evening by sharing how the building's illustrious past now intertwines with modern updates before announcing the dance hall has earned a spot on the esteemed National Register of Historic Places alongside the Tyler Rose Garden.

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The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources. The application process to be listed on the register was a year long process and included the assistance of a historic preservation consulting firm.

The Mayfair has been a stage for legends, a site for dances, community events, and even the occasional wrestling match.

The former dance hall was renovated to preserve its historical elements, including the original floors, windows, stage and dressing room with the mirror Elvis once sat in front of for a photo. In the future, the dressing room will be transformed into a small museum, displaying items found during the construction, like a vintage amplifier and record player and an unopened bottle of whiskey from the prohibition era.

Following the renovations, it now serves as a dynamic extension of the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center and Tyler Rose Garden at the Tyler Rose Complex. This multipurpose venue can host small or larger gatherings, with seating for up to 300 in a dinner-style arrangement or 500 in an auditorium format.

New structural enhancements ensure the building's longevity, while expanded storage and ADA-compliant facilities cater to the needs of all, plus roll-up doors leading to a future spacious deck and food truck park.

The project was paid for with Hotel Occupancy Tax.  A tax collected from overnight guests who stay in the City’s hotel or lodging facilities.  Tax proceeds are only allowed to be spent on projects or events that result in visitors or attendees staying overnight in the community, generating more hotel occupancy tax.