News Summary
Business owners in Deep Ellum are facing severe revenue declines due to ongoing construction on Commerce Street, which started in late 2022. The project, aimed at converting Commerce Street into a two-way thoroughfare, has reduced foot traffic significantly, with some businesses reporting drops of up to 80%. Concerns have been raised about parking difficulties and miscommunication regarding operational status during the construction. City officials are planning meetings with business leaders to address these issues and improve signage for better customer awareness.
Dallas – Local business owners in Deep Ellum are reporting significant revenue declines as a result of ongoing construction on Commerce Street, which began in the fall of 2022. The project, which involves converting Commerce Street from a one-way to a two-way thoroughfare, has led to decreased foot traffic and sales for several businesses in the area.
As construction progressed, business owners began noticing steep declines in customer visits. For instance, the owner of St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin reported a drop of 21% in business, while owners of Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard expressed concerns due to a 30-40% decline in revenue, fluctuating each month. Another local business, Arch by Suki, reported an overwhelming 80% reduction in foot traffic, prompting the owner to consider relocating.
The extensive construction project, budgeted at $30 million, aims not only to revamp the road but also to enhance drainage and sidewalk conditions. The improvements are projected to last until the first quarter of 2027, with the Department of Transportation and Public Works tasked with executing the plan, which includes a new water line to ensure better service to the community. Completion is anticipated by December 2026.
As these construction activities continue, business owners have expressed their concerns to city leaders, hoping to find solutions to combat the effects of such a prolonged disruption. Parking has become increasingly problematic, making it difficult for customers to find spaces, with some reporting increased costs associated with parking in the area. Although the Deep Ellum Foundation has introduced over 1,000 parking spaces since the pandemic in response to growing complaints, business owners argue this effort has not been sufficient amid ongoing construction disruptions.
In an effort to attract customers, owners have resorted to displaying signs that indicate they are open despite the road barriers caused by construction activity. However, many patrons often misconstrue these signs, mistakenly believing that the businesses are closed due to the extensive work being done around them.
In light of these challenges, City Councilmember Jesse Moreno is aware of the financial impact on local businesses and has planned meetings with business owners and representatives from Oncor to discuss their concerns and explore potential solutions. Additionally, the city aims to enhance signage to inform visitors effectively that the businesses remain operational during the construction period.
Previous street improvement projects similar to what is currently happening on Commerce Street have been successfully completed in other areas, such as Elm Street. As Deep Ellum navigates the disruptions caused by this significant construction initiative, local business owners remain hopeful that city support and additional efforts in communication will bring back the foot traffic they desperately need.
The situation stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by local businesses during urban development projects, balancing necessary improvements with the immediate consequences such projects can have on the local economy and community engagement.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
