TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – The Smith County parking lot opened its doors Tuesday. Smith County officials held a ribbon cutting and opened the garage for parking after a year of construction.

“We are very excited to have this new five-story parking garage available to our employees and the community,” said Smith County Judge Neal Franklin. “We thank everyone who came to downtown Tyler for work, business or play over the past year for their patience and understanding during construction.”

The 543-space parking lot is free to the public, county employees and jurors and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

The first floor of the parking lot has several spaces reserved for law enforcement. There are also 10 handicapped spaces on floors one through four and two elevators.

“We are excited to reach this Phase 1 milestone in our transformative construction efforts on the Smith County Courthouse project,” said Stephen Flournoy, project executive for Hoar Construction. “It is an honor to deliver this fantastic five-story parking garage on time and under budget for the people of Smith County.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to work hard on Phase 2 of this project for the construction of the new courthouse.”

The cleaning work on the new courthouse has been going on for weeks. Beginning Nov. 18, the former jury parking lot on Ferguson Street will be closed to allow Hoar Construction to use it for the construction project.

The $179 million Smith County Courthouse bond passed with just over 50% of the vote on Nov. 8, 2022. The $160 million bond issue is for the new courthouse and $19 million for parking.

Parking is located at 210 East Ferguson, next to the Smith County Annex Building. Drivers can enter the parking lot from East Ferguson Street or Locust Street.

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