10/10/2026
NORTH TYLER FIRST
A Journey of Revitalization, Restoration, and Community Empowerment
2019–2026
An Initiative of Empowerment Community Development Corporation (ECDC)
People • Progress • Prosperity
Our Vision Began Long Before North Tyler First
The revitalization of North Tyler did not begin overnight. It has been a journey of vision, faith, community involvement, strategic partnerships, and a determination to make a lasting difference in the neighborhoods we call home.
In 2019, Empowerment Community Development Corporation (ECDC) launched the Empowering Neighborhoods Development Services (ENDS) Initiative, bringing together residents, community leaders, business owners, churches, and concerned citizens who shared a common goal: improving the quality of life in Tyler north of Frankston Highway and Fifth Street.
Through monthly meetings, community members began identifying neighborhood challenges, discussing potential solutions, and developing strategies to address issues involving housing, economic development, neighborhood beautification, public safety, infrastructure, and community pride.
As the initiative grew, Empowering Neighborhoods Development Services evolved into North Tyler Empowerment Development Services, reflecting a more concentrated commitment to the revitalization, economic development, and long-term prosperity of North Tyler.
This evolution provided the foundation for what would eventually become the North Tyler First Coalition, launched in March 2026 to broaden community participation and turn years of planning into visible neighborhood improvements.
Our philosophy has remained the same throughout this journey:
Those who live in our neighborhoods should have a voice in shaping their future.
November 2020 — A Major Investment in North Tyler's Future
One of the most significant milestones in ECDC's history came in November 2020, when the City of Tyler donated the former Fire Station #4, located at 309 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, to Empowerment Community Development Corporation.
The property was donated to provide a permanent home for the Texas African American Museum (TAAM).
This generous donation represented far more than the transfer of a building. It provided our organization with a stable physical location from which we could expand our mission of educating, equipping, and empowering individuals, families, and communities.
What once served as a neighborhood fire station has become a center for historical preservation, cultural enrichment, education, community engagement, and the performing arts.
Today, the Empowerment CDC Complex is home to:
- The Texas African American Museum, preserving and sharing the contributions and history of African Americans, particularly those connected to East Texas.
- The Veretta and Jessie E. Rider Fine and Performing Arts Centre, providing opportunities for artistic expression, entertainment, education, and cultural programming.
- Empowerment CDC administrative offices, supporting our growing community development initiatives.
The transformation of this former fire station demonstrates what is possible when public resources, nonprofit leadership, and community vision come together for the greater good.
We remain deeply grateful to the City of Tyler for making this opportunity possible.
March 2023 — North Tyler Rails-to-Trails Exploratory Committee
In March 2023, ECDC established the North Tyler Rails-to-Trails Exploratory Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the possibility of addressing a neglected railroad corridor running through North Tyler.
The committee explored whether the corridor could be cleaned up, improved, or potentially converted into a recreational walking and biking trail that would benefit residents and surrounding neighborhoods.
The effort led to discussions involving the City of Tyler, Union Pacific Railroad, and our congressional representative's office.
Significant progress was made in bringing these stakeholders into discussions and raising awareness about the condition and potential of the corridor.
Following this exploratory work, the ad hoc committee was eventually dissolved.
Although the committee's work concluded without a completed trail conversion, it demonstrated the importance of organized community advocacy and the possibilities that emerge when residents and institutions work together.
November 2025 — Making Affordable Homes A Reality
Recognizing that neighborhood revitalization must also address housing, Empowerment CDC expanded its efforts through the Making Affordable Homes A Reality (MAHAR) Initiative.
In November 2025, ECDC purchased its first house through the initiative, located near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and North Tenneha Avenue.
The acquisition represented an important step toward our goal of increasing access to affordable housing and creating opportunities for individuals and families to achieve homeownership.
MAHAR is designed to address housing affordability, support neighborhood redevelopment, and help transform existing properties into productive community assets.
We believe revitalization should not simply attract new investment. It should also create opportunities for existing residents to remain in their communities, build wealth, and participate in the economic growth of North Tyler.
March 2026 — From Neighborhood Services to North Tyler First
After several years of community engagement, Empowerment CDC recognized the need to take its neighborhood development efforts to another level.
What began in 2019 as Empowering Neighborhoods Development Services (ENDS) had evolved into North Tyler Empowerment Development Services, providing a more focused framework for addressing the specific needs, opportunities, and future of North Tyler.
Through this evolution, our efforts moved beyond discussing neighborhood challenges to developing coordinated strategies for housing, economic empowerment, historical preservation, beautification, and community investment.
In March 2026, ECDC officially launched the North Tyler First Coalition, expanding the work of North Tyler Empowerment Development Services to a broader audience of residents, churches, businesses, educational institutions, community organizations, and public officials.
The purpose was to encourage greater community ownership, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate visible progress throughout North Tyler.
A major part of this expanded vision is ECDC's proposed North Tyler Historical, Cultural & Arts District, designed to recognize the community's rich heritage while creating opportunities for tourism, cultural enrichment, business development, and economic growth.
North Tyler possesses a remarkable history, strong churches, educational institutions, established neighborhoods, talented residents, and tremendous economic potential.
Our goal is to build upon these strengths while addressing neglected properties, vacant lots, deteriorating infrastructure, housing challenges, and the need for additional business investment.
We want North Tyler to be recognized not only for its past contributions but also for its future possibilities.
The names and organizational structure have evolved, but the mission has remained consistent: empowering residents, strengthening neighborhoods, and creating a brighter future for North Tyler.
May 2026 — MLK Boulevard Revitalization Project Begins
In May 2026, the North Tyler First Coalition launched its first major corridor revitalization project, focusing on approximately 2.7 miles of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, from Gentry Parkway to Broadway Avenue.
The project was designed to bring visible improvements to one of North Tyler's important community corridors.
In a relatively short period, encouraging progress has been made through the dedication of volunteers, community organizations, property owners, churches, and city leadership.
Among the accomplishments and ongoing improvements are:
- Replacement of Texas College banners and signs on lamp posts along the corridor.
- Neighborhood cleanup and beautification efforts.
- Increased attention to neglected properties and community eyesores.
- Cooperation from Miles Chapel CME Church, which recently helped eliminate an eyesore from its property.
- Greater collaboration among residents, institutions, city officials, and community stakeholders.
- Continued identification of opportunities for affordable housing, historical preservation, cultural development, and small-business investment.
We especially acknowledge the involvement and support of the City of Tyler, Tyler City Councilwoman Dr. Shonda Marsh, Mayor Stuart Hene, Texas College, Miles Chapel CME Church, dedicated community volunteers, and the many individuals and organizations who have contributed to these efforts.
These accomplishments remind us of an important truth:
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!
Looking Ahead — Building a Revitalized North Tyler
Our vision for North Tyler is much larger than cleaning up vacant lots, replacing banners, or improving individual properties.
We envision a North Tyler where:
- Neighborhoods are clean, attractive, and safe.
- Families have access to affordable housing and homeownership opportunities.
- Vacant and neglected properties are returned to productive use.
- Small businesses thrive and create employment opportunities.
- Young people have access to education, job training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
- Historic landmarks and cultural contributions are preserved and celebrated.
- Streets, sidewalks, lighting, and public spaces reflect pride in our community.
- Residents, businesses, churches, educational institutions, and local government work together toward shared goals.
The proposed North Tyler Historical, Cultural & Arts District, anchored in part by the Texas African American Museum and Rider Centre, offers an opportunity to connect historical preservation, tourism, education, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Our desire is not merely to change how North Tyler looks, but to help improve the lives of the people who call it home.
The progression from Empowering Neighborhoods Development Services to North Tyler Empowerment Development Services and ultimately the North Tyler First Coalition demonstrates our commitment to adapting, expanding, and strengthening our efforts as the needs of our community evolve.
Giving God Thanks for the Journey
As we reflect on the journey from 2019 through 2026, we recognize that none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication and cooperation of many people.
We thank the City of Tyler for its investment in our organization through the donation of the former Fire Station #4.
We thank our elected officials, community partners, churches, businesses, educational institutions, property owners, and residents who have given their time, resources, and support.
We especially thank the faithful volunteers who continue showing up, attending meetings, sharing ideas, identifying problems, and working toward solutions.
There is still much work to be done, but thanks be to God for what has already been accomplished!
We understand that meaningful revitalization does not happen overnight. It requires vision, patience, planning, financial resources, accountability, and a willingness to work together.
But one thing has become increasingly clear: When a community comes together with a shared vision and a commitment to action, progress is possible.
Our journey began with a handful of concerned citizens meeting to discuss the future of their neighborhoods. Today, those conversations are helping shape a broader movement for revitalization and community empowerment.
We are grateful for yesterday, encouraged by today, and excited about tomorrow.
We are not finished. In many ways, we are just getting started!
NORTH TYLER FIRST!
PEOPLE • PROGRESS • PROSPERITY
Stanley L. Cofer
President & Founder
Empowerment Community Development Corporation
Courtesy of Empowerment CDC Historical Preservation & Community Development Initiative © 2026
