Glass, D.R., Library at Texas College
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Why it's listed
Built about 1948 on the Texas College campus in Tyler, the D. R. Glass Library is a T-plan red-brick building rising from one to three stories. Its focal point is a full-height white concrete pavilion with four square piers and the library name carved at the cornice, a Classical Revival touch. The college, an African American institution founded under the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, built it during the long presidency of Dominion Robert Glass, for whom it is named. Funding came from the church, the General Education Board, alumni and Tyler's African American community. The designer is not documented, though a former college secretary attributed the work to the Nashville firm McKissack & McKissack. Windows and doors were replaced in the 1980s, but the original reading room, piers, flooring and layout remain. It is the only known library tied to African American education in Tyler and still serves the college.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is the only known library building associated with African American education in Tyler. It furthered the educational goals of African American students at Texas College and the aspirations of the college administration and wider community. It is listed under Criterion A and not for architecture, because replaced windows and doors prevent listing under Criterion C.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 07000128, listed March 7, 2007. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 2404 N. Grand Ave., Tyler |
|---|---|
| County | Smith County |
| Listed | March 7, 2007 |
| Reference number | 07000128 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | c. 1948-1956 |
| Architect / builder | Likely McKissack & McKissack of Nashville, Tennessee, or another firm under its direction; plans, designer and contractor not confirmed |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals/Classical Revival |
| Criteria |
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| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, Education, Black |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Continues to serve as the college library; preserved in good condition with a high degree of integrity, though rear windows are covered with plywood for security. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 32.37368, -95.31258 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 07000128.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q101426273
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.