Former Carlton Hotel

TYLER - The Smith County office building in downtown Tyler is about to be on the buyer's market.

The county is preparing to take bids on the building.

It currently houses a variety of Smith County offices - including the Sheriff's administration.

The building dates back to the 1950's - it was originally the Carlton Hotel.

"As an ex-hotel, it's never really suited our needs as a county facility, and now we are looking at finally putting this building up for sale and moving everyone into a new facility," said Adrienne Graham with Smith County.

Smith County's new facility is just a couple of blocks away on Spring Avenue in downtown Tyler.

Graham says they're hoping the building could be turned into a hotel again or even a retail facility.