City Council Approves contract for Downtown green space construction

The Tyler City Council approved a contract on Wednesday, Nov. 12, with Hoar Construction to serve as the general contractor for the green space on the west side of the Downtown square. The agreement authorizes the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract in the amount of $349,491.

This contract does not cover construction costs, but brings Hoar Construction on board early to help guide the design and budgeting process. Under the CMAR method, the contractor works closely with the City and design team to ensure the project stays on schedule, is practical to build, and stays within the set budget. The contractor also guarantees a maximum price late in the design phase, providing cost certainty before construction begins.

"Having a construction manager involved early helps us make smart design choices that align with our budget," said City Engineer Darin Jennings. "It's a more collaborative and efficient way to deliver high-quality projects for our community."

The Downtown green space is part of Phase Two of the Downtown Improvement Project, which focuses on creating inviting public areas that encourage people to gather, shop, and spend more time Downtown.

Hoar is also currently leading construction on the Smith County Courthouse, giving them firsthand knowledge of Downtown Tyler's layout and logistics. Their familiarity with Downtown Tyler and the community expectations will help minimize disruptions during construction as well as create cohesiveness across Downtown.

Funding for this phase of the project comes from the Half Cent Sales Tax Program, with a total Phase Two budget of $5.8 million.

As the project moves forward, the City will continue to provide updates and opportunities for public engagement through the Downtown Improvement Project page on MyTylerTexas.com.

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