Tyler Tries to Step Forward

Recently our office was invited to attend a presentation given at the Ornelas Activity Center that touched on a wonderful idea. From a student's perspective, UT Tyler has very little to offer within walking distance other than walking on the nature trail. The campus also lacks an openness that other thriving universities have, with regular townies strolling past the lake. Among all this, UT Tyler owns land that is empty. What this presentation proposed was a distinct development theme that could bring in students and additional revenue to the university, all while keeping the green woodland look that is loved by Tyler residents.

The plan would turn a large area surrounding UT Tyler into a district, titled for now "University Woods". This district would embrace a college town feel while incorporating in a slower-paced residential area. We would see sidewalks and bike lanes to make the roads near the school more safe to those not traveling by car. The campus would be more accessible to the town and the campus would extend into the district, lending the same design scheme to the reinvented University and Old Omen roads. The same tan bricks and iron benches, trashcans, and street lights will pop up outside of UT Tyler's secluded property. The biggest change though would be the development of a shopping village within walking distance of the school (a proposed spot would be the plot of land next to Cambridge at the corner of University and Old Omen). This spot would consist of restaurants, shops and living, and all of it within walking distance of UT Tyler. Apartments above shops give the school new opportunities for student living, all while making money off any shop that sets up on the property (seeing as they own the land), all while making the area around the campus more popular and appealing to students.

I know development sends up the red flags for deforestation and such, but the prime goal of this plan is grow and move forward while preserving every tree and patch of grass that can be preserved. Tyler, TX as a whole may not seem ready for such a place, but the already large and ever growing student population is.