News Summary
Deep Ellum business owners report significant revenue declines due to ongoing construction along Commerce Street, which began last fall. The $30 million project aims to improve infrastructure but has led to reduced foot traffic and parking challenges. Many businesses are facing decreases of over 30% in revenue, prompting concerns about their viability during the extended project timeline set to finish in 2027. City officials are addressing the situation to support local commerce amidst disruptions.
Dallas Residents and Business Owners Face Revenue Declines Amid Deep Ellum Construction
Deep Ellum, Dallas — Local business owners in Deep Ellum are experiencing significant reductions in revenue due to ongoing construction along Commerce Street, which began last fall. The multi-year project, with a budget of approximately $30 million, aims to convert Commerce Street from a one-way to a two-way street, upgrade drainage systems, and improve sidewalks. The construction is scheduled to continue until the first quarter of 2027, impacting daily commerce and traffic patterns in the area.
Major Declines in Business Activity Reported by Local Entrepreneurs
Business owners have reported a sharp decline in foot traffic since the beginning of construction. Pete Zotos, owner of St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin, indicated that his business has seen a 21% drop. Similarly, Jeff Brightwell of Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard has observed a 30-40% decline, with the precise percentage fluctuating month to month. Other merchants, such as Sukhee Suwal, owner of Arch by Suki, reported an 80% reduction in foot traffic, prompting her to consider relocating her business to regain stability.
Construction Details and Timelines
The city’s Department of Transportation & Public Works is managing the project, which includes installing new water lines and making street improvements. The current plan expects completion by December 2026, with some phases of work overlapping or continuing until the first quarter of 2027. Nearby streets, such as Elm Street, have already undergone similar upgrades, with projects completed within a comparable timeframe.
Impact on Parking and Customer Access
The ongoing construction has also worsened parking challenges for visitors and residents. Customers report difficulties finding parking spaces and increased parking fees, further deterring patronage. In response, the Deep Ellum Foundation has added over 1,000 parking spaces since the pandemic to alleviate some of these issues, but many business owners believe the measures are insufficient amidst the current disruptions.
Business Owners’ Response and Possible Solutions
Despite the barriers, business owners have made efforts to inform customers that they remain open by displaying signs amid construction barriers. However, many visitors mistake these businesses for being closed, due to the extensive construction activity and barriers blocking visibility. In recognition of these challenges, City Councilmember Jesse Moreno has acknowledged the negative effects on area commerce and plans to meet with business representatives and utility officials, including representatives from Oncor, to address concerns and explore potential solutions.
City Initiatives and Future Plans
The city has committed to enhancing signage to better inform visitors that local businesses are open despite ongoing construction. These efforts aim to mitigate confusion and support the economic vitality of Deep Ellum during the lengthy construction period. Additionally, the city is monitoring the progress of infrastructure upgrades and coordinating efforts to expedite timelines where possible.
Conclusion
The prolonged construction along Commerce Street in Deep Ellum has significantly impacted local businesses, with notable declines in revenue and foot traffic. While efforts are underway to improve infrastructure and communicate with the public, business owners continue to face challenges related to parking, visibility, and customer retention. The project’s completion in late 2026 or early 2027 aims to deliver improved streets and facilities, but until then, area merchants seek ongoing support and effective solutions from city officials to sustain their operations amid the disruptions.
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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
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