11-06-2025 12:36pm

Debate Brews Over Proposal to Relocate Paris’ Eiffel Tower Downtown

Dustin Terry Editor

Debate Brews Over Proposal to Relocate Paris’ Eiffel Tower Downtown

An effort to relocate Paris’ beloved Eiffel Tower from its longtime home beside the Love Civic Center to downtown Paris is stirring lively discussion across the community.

At the upcoming Lamar County Commissioners Court meeting on November 10, 2025, District 6 City Council Member Alex Putnam and Paris Area Arts Alliance President Carolyn Patterson are set to present a proposal to move the 65-foot landmark downtown.

According to a presentation circulating online, the relocation is designed to increase tourism and boost local business. The proposal claims that “relocating the Eiffel Tower downtown immediately funnels foot traffic to small businesses, restaurants, and local retailers.”

It continues, “The new location encourages walking, lingering, and local exploration – vital for a healthy downtown. It creates synergy with existing assets. Downtown already has charm, history, and shopping – placing the tower there strengthens and unifies our community.”

The idea stems from a 2022 study by Norstar, a branding firm hired by the City of Paris, Paris Economic Development Corporation (PEDC), and the Paris-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce to help with city branding and design a unified logo. One of Norstar’s recommendations was to move the Eiffel Tower downtown near the courthouse as a central visual anchor for the city.

However, not everyone is on board. Local resident Jeremy Green weighed in on social media, voicing support for downtown revitalization but questioning whether relocation is the right move.

“I’ve seen the discussion about moving our Eiffel Tower from the Veterans Memorial to downtown Paris,” Green said. “I get the idea — more foot traffic, more business, more life downtown — and I’m all for helping local shops and bringing more people to the heart of the city.”

Still, Green believes Paris could dream even bigger.

“But here’s my thought… why move that tower when we could build something even bigger and better downtown? The current one has become part of our history. It stands proudly by the memorial and means a lot to a lot of folks,” he added. “Instead of taking that away, why not add to it? Imagine a new, taller, more modern Eiffel Tower downtown with lights, a viewing platform, maybe even a small café or photo area. That would turn heads, bring visitors, and keep the spirit of Paris, Texas growing forward — not just shuffled around.”

Green also pointed out that downtown’s condition itself deserves more immediate attention.

“Honestly, I think Paris has more important things to focus on downtown right now,” he said. “Just take a look at the west side of downtown — some of those buildings are falling apart. It’s kind of a sad sight, and it doesn’t exactly draw people in. If we really want to bring life back downtown, maybe we should start by fixing and rebuilding what’s already there before moving or rebuilding landmarks.”

The Paris Eiffel Tower, built in 1993 by members of the local welders’ union, stands as a tribute to the world-famous French landmark. The red Stetson cowboy hat was added in 1998 to give it “a little more character” — and, according to local lore, to make sure it stood taller than the replica in Paris, Tennessee.

Today, the tower remains one of Paris’ most visited attractions, open year-round and a popular photo stop for travelers.

As Green put it, “Let’s dream a little bigger and smarter for our town. Let’s build Paris up, not just move it around.” 💪✨