Deep Ellum Businesses Struggle Amid Ongoing Construction

News Summary

Business owners in Deep Ellum are facing significant revenue declines due to prolonged construction on Commerce Street. With foot traffic dropping by as much as 80%, local establishments are struggling to stay afloat. Despite efforts to improve infrastructure and parking, many customers find it challenging to navigate the area. City officials are working to address concerns and support local businesses as the construction project continues until 2027.

Dallas – Business owners in Deep Ellum are reporting significant revenue declines due to ongoing construction work on Commerce Street, which began last fall. The construction project aims to transform Commerce Street from a one-way to a two-way thoroughfare while addressing drainage issues and improving sidewalks. However, the local economy is feeling the strain as foot traffic has substantially decreased during this extensive project, which has a budget of $30 million and is expected to last until the first quarter of 2027.

Local business owners have expressed their concerns about the impacts of the construction on their livelihoods. Reports indicate a substantial drop in customer visits, with some establishments experiencing up to an 80% decline in foot traffic. Specifically, St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin has recorded a 21% decrease, while Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard has noticed fluctuations in revenue, with declines ranging between 30% and 40% on a month-to-month basis. This downturn is prompting some business owners to explore alternative locations that could be more profitable.

Adding to the challenges are parking issues, with many customers finding it increasingly difficult to locate available parking spaces and facing higher costs. Despite efforts from the Deep Ellum Foundation to add over 1,000 parking spaces since the pandemic began, local proprietors feel these measures have not been sufficient in alleviating the problems caused by the ongoing construction.

The Department of Transportation & Public Works in Dallas is overseeing the enhancements to Commerce Street, with a projected completion date in December 2026. The project scope includes the installation of a new water line and improved infrastructure to benefit the area in the long term. However, during the construction period, healthily functioning businesses are worried about their survival and are actively seeking solutions from city administrators.

City Councilmember Jesse Moreno has acknowledged the substantial impact of these construction projects on local businesses. He plans to convene meetings with business owners and utility companies to discuss pressing concerns and potential remedies to support the affected parties. Business owners have begun utilizing signs to indicate their operations despite the construction barriers, but many customers often mistake them for closed establishments due to the extensive works ongoing around them.

Deep Ellum has seen similar street improvement projects in nearby areas, such as Elm Street, which were completed on a comparable timeline. The city is also looking to enhance signage throughout the district to better inform visitors that local businesses remain open during the construction phase. This effort aims to mitigate some adverse effects on foot traffic and overall revenue for the Deep Ellum business community.

The prolonged construction period indeed poses a significant challenge for businesses in Deep Ellum, raising urgent questions about their sustainability and the viability of the area as a thriving destination for locals and visitors alike. As owners adapt to the challenges, city leaders’ engagement and McCarthy’s proactive measures will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of the busy Deep Ellum district.

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Additional Resources

• NBC DFW: Deep Ellum Bars & Restaurants Say Construction Hurting Business
• Wikipedia: Deep Ellum
• NBC DFW: Deep Ellum Business Owners Say Construction is Hurting Business
• Google Search: Deep Ellum construction impact
• WFAA: Deep Ellum Construction Continues to Strain Small Businesses
• Google Scholar: Deep Ellum construction effects
• NBC DFW: Social Media Post Highlights Deep Ellum Business Concerns During Construction
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Deep Ellum
• WFAA: Deep Ellum Businesses Still Feel Impact of Construction
• Google News: Deep Ellum business challenges