Bricks Falling From Hotel Lead To Road Shutdown In Tyler

(Tyler, Texas) A downtown Tyler street is currently closed after receiving reports of falling bricks from an older, unoccupied building.

Elm Street between Broadway Avenue and Spring Street has been closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to the potential of falling brick from the former Carlton Hotel.

Why Elm Street in Tyler Is Closed

Tyler Police closed the street after they received calls that some bricks were falling from the vacant hotel. Tyler building inspectors, the City of Tyler Fire Department, and other departments responded and began inspecting the building.

City Inspection Reveals Structural Concerns

According to a press release from the City of Tyler, after a brief initial inspection, crews found that a portion of the southwest corner of the building's parking garage on the fourth floor was showing signs of failure.

Until this structure is deemed safe by city inspectors, this stretch of Elm Street will remain closed to vehicles and pedestrians.

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Who Owns the Carlton Hotel in Tyler?

The Carlton Hotel was purchased by NORF Companies, based in New Orleans, in 2021, according to the city's press release. It is part of a downtown revitalization project that is expected to be renovated after a couple of others are completed, which NORF Companies currently owns.

The newly renovated Wilcox Apartment Building was the first major project for the company. It is in the process of remodeling the Lindsey and Fair buildings, and once those are complete, work will begin on the Carlton Hotel.

It appears structural engineers will have more work to do on the Carlton Hotel parking garage than they probably originally thought.

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When Will Elm Street Reopen?

No timetable has been announced for when Elm Street will open. Company engineers are on their way to assess the building and situation.