Rose Complex nears completion as City of Tyler preps for public opening

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - The W. T. Brookshire Conference Center at the Rose Complex in Tyler is in the final stages of construction following more than a year of work.

“A lot of progress happening today. A lot of progress has been happening over the months,” said City of Tyler deputy city manager, Stephanie Franklin.

Franklin said construction has moved indoors where they are installing lighting, audio/video equipment, and kitchen equipment, as well as floor and bathroom finishes.

Franklin said crews are also doing dirt work outdoors as they prepare to put in an additional parking lot and park area.

“So the VIP room in the back, we’ve got the green room, which is being finished out, painted, bathroom finished, and then you have the stage with the lighting that’s being finished out. So a lot of things are going on behind the scenes,” Franklin said.

The conference center will be a big economic driver, Franklin said, with groups coming to Tyler to use the facility looking for a unique experience.

“One of the things we’re excited about is having a state-of-the-art facility that’s located in this unique spot with the historical Rose Garden across the street,” she said.

President of Visit Tyler, Shari Lee, said the demand for a conference center has been in conversations for more than 30 years.

“Walking in today, seeing that we’ve come this far, and seeing that this building is so fully equipped to all of the needs we’ve needed over the years -- it’s really, really exciting,” said Lee.

She said the convention center will welcome people coming with interest groups, as well as those coming in a professional manner.

“Always when people travel for conventions or meetings, they’re not just coming for that particular meeting. They’re coming to experience the whole town, their eating in our restaurants, their staying in our hotels, and they’re also buying some of our retail products. So, the very nice thing about this particular conference center is that it’s right next to our Rose Garden center and that is an experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the world,” said Lee.

They’re on track to open up the conference center in the spring of 2023. The city will announce an exact opening date this week.

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