309 E Erwin St 

Tyler , TX 75702

Historic name: 1881 Smith County Jail (built 1881)

About This Property

Constructed in 1880-81 as the third Smith County jail, this structure was the first public building erected in the county after the Civil War. It is an example of Second Empire and Italianate style architecture. It served as a jail until 1916, when it was sold to Jefferson Y. Lewis, a former jailer who renovated the building and converted it into a hotel. Major modifications were made in 1933 as a result of the housing shortage that accompanied the discovery of the East Texas oil field. Although Lewis died in the 1950’s, members of his family continued operating the hotel. The restoration of the building began when Historic Tyler, Inc. purchased the property in 1986 and removed the 1933 front and stabilized the building. In 1992, Randal Gilbert restored the property to its present appearance and converted it to law offices.

Total Building Size (sq ft): 3,448
Zoning: Downtown Business, Arts and Culture (DBAC)
Current Historic Designations: • Individually Listed on the National Register
• Not located in a National Register District
• Not located in a Local District
• Local Landmark
• Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
• Eligible for Historic Tax Credits

Nearby Businesses

Property Information
Zoning Uses Allowed
Lot Size (acres)
Parking Spaces
Electrical Service
Heating Type
Official Total Sq Ft 3,448
Total Commercial Units
Total Residential Units
Total Commerical Sq Ft
Total Residential Sq Ft
Year Built 1881
Last Remodel Date
Last Sale Date January 1st, 2009
Parcel Number R049569
Subdivision
Legal Description BLOCK 18 LOT 3
Located Within
  • Main Street District

Survey Recommendations

Type
Stylistic Influences
Alterations/Additions
Survey Recommendations
Not Individually Eligible
Priority
High
Historic Resources Survey
Tyler Historic Resources Survey Update, 2013
Survey Date
October 2013
Modification Type