2 minute read
The Mayfair
In a display of historical preservation and future innovation, Tyler’s iconic Mayfair Building once again pulses with life. With its illustrious past now seamlessly intertwined with cutting-edge updates, the grand reopening on April 4, 2024, brought in a new era of excitement and potential.
Partygoers were met with the sounds of one of Tyler’s most popular bands, The Tuxedo Cats, as the night began. Guests mingled, drank signature mocktails, and captured moments beside life-sized cutouts immortalizing legends Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley: icons who once graced the stage of The Mayfair.
From its inception in 1927, The Mayfair was a cornerstone of entertainment that hosted everything from concerts and festivals to the occasional wrestling match. Following the renovations, the building now serves as a dynamic extension of the Rose Complex. It’s integrated with the neighboring W.T. Brookshire Conference Center and Tyler Rose Garden. This multipurpose venue boasts the capacity to host intimate gatherings or grand spectacles, with seating for up to 300 in a dinner-style arrangement or 500 in an auditorium format.
The former dance hall was renovated to preserve its historical elements, including the original floors, windows, stage, and green room. The dressing room has been transformed into a small museum that displays items found during construction, like a vintage amplifier and record player, an unopened bottle of whiskey from the Prohibition era, and the mirror that Elvis once sat in front of for a photograph.
The revitalization doesn’t end there. New structural enhancements ensure the building’s longevity, while expanded storage and ADA-compliant facilities cater to the needs of all patrons. Plus, roll-up doors lead to a future spacious deck and food truck park.
The Mayfair’s unique stories and its community relevance have earned it a spot in the esteemed National Register of Historic Places alongside the Tyler Rose Garden. As it stands on the cusp of a new chapter, The Mayfair epitomizes Tyler’s commitment to honoring its heritage while embracing a future brimming with promise and possibilities.
