Tax Credit Program Highlight: People's National Bank

Tyler, Smith County

1932

Designation	Individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Historic Use	Bank and offices
Current Use	Bank, offices, retail, and restaurant
Total Rehabilitation Cost	$12,518,850
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses	$12,060,746
Date Certified	December 6, 2017
	Two phases certified for state credits. Also seeking Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

History

The People’s National Bank Building was designed by Houston architect Alfred C. Finn for Samuel A. Lindsey, one of Tyler’s most well-known businessmen. With Tyler’s location in the center of East Texas oil fields and in close proximity to the headquarters of several oil companies, the People’s National Bank Building satisfied the need for office space brought on by the oil boom. The 15 story Art Deco structure was considered “Tyler’s most prestigious business address” during the 1930s and 1940s, housing geologists, engineers and oil companies. The People’s National Bank Building was the tallest high-rise structure in East Texas at the time it was built.

Rehabilitation Project

This project is a complete rehabilitation project planned in several phases, with two of the largest phases now complete. Most notably, the work includes restoration of missing features in the double-height main lobby, including a grand staircase and other Art Deco style decorative features. New marble was sourced from the original quarry and metalwork was fabricated by local craftsmen. A restaurant was inserted into the second floor level that housed the main banking areas. The kitchen was placed behind the historic teller counter with glass dividing the preparation and dining spaces. A paneled office was converted to a private dining room. Upper floors remain tenant office spaces, with restored finishes and upgraded systems.