In March 2008, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association (ETSOA) entered into an agreement with the City of Tyler to locate its administrative offices in downtown Tyler and lead an effort to renovate the former Liberty Theater into a performance hall. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was approved by the City Council that details the agreement to make ETSOA a major anchor in the Tyler 21 Downtown Business, Arts and Culture District.
The MOU details a ten year lease for the ETSOA to occupy administrative offices at 107 E. Erwin with an option to purchase the property in the future. As a provision to the agreement, the City has agreed to purchase the former Liberty Theater located at 103 E. Erwin. The ETSOA will raise the estimated $1 million to renovate the Liberty into a multi-purpose performing arts hall with seating for approximately 300. The renovated facility will primarily be used for recitals and performing arts activities that will benefit tourism in the community.
“The Symphony has sought to expand its patron base and events,” ETSOA President-Elect Jeff Austin III. “Establishing a performing arts center in downtown will fast track this effort and act as a regional draw for tourism in Tyler.”
The initial cost estimate to renovate the Hall is $1 million plus an initial operating reserve, insurance and production equipment. Per the terms of the MOU, with support from the City the ETSOA will launch a campaign to raise the funds needed to complete the renovations to the structure. The MOU does provide for naming rights to the theater as part of the fundraising campaign.
“It is a real watershed moment for the redevelopment of downtown Tyler,” said Beverly Abell, executive director for the Main Street Program. “The Hall will be a major quality destination for downtown. This is one of those events that every downtown development program hopes for; we feel very fortunate that this is coming to fruition.”
Management and ownership of the Hall will be transferred to the ETSOA upon completion of all renovations with the City maintaining some oversight related to funding for tourism related activities.
“This development signals the beginning of a real renaissance of downtown,” said Mark McDaniel, City manager designate. “The next several years are going to be very exciting for downtown Tyler.”