Deep Ellum Businesses Struggle Amid Ongoing Construction

Categories: National Construction NewsNews

Local businesses in Deep Ellum adapt during the Commerce Street construction project.

News Summary

Local businesses in Deep Ellum are facing significant revenue declines due to ongoing construction on Commerce Street, which aims to transform it into a two-way street. The $30 million project has resulted in reduced foot traffic, impacting sales for many establishments. Business owners are calling for more communication and immediate solutions to mitigate the ongoing disruptions as the project is set to continue until 2027. City officials are planning discussions with local businesses to address their concerns.

Dallas – Local businesses in Deep Ellum are reporting significant revenue declines attributed to ongoing construction on Commerce Street, which began last fall. The construction project, budgeted at $30 million, aims to transform Commerce Street from a one-way to a two-way street while also making improvements to sidewalks and drainage systems. Business owners have noted that the construction has led to a severe reduction in foot traffic, which is essential for their continued operations.

Business owners like Pete Zotos, who runs St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin, have reported a 21% decrease in revenue since the construction commenced. Similarly, Jeff Brightwell of Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard has seen a decline of 30-40% in monthly earnings. The downturn is more pronounced for Sukhee Suwal, owner of Arch by Suki, who has experienced an alarming 80% drop in foot traffic, prompting her to consider relocating to her previous business address.

The Commerce Street construction project is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2027, which raises concerns among business owners about the extended disruption to their revenue streams. At present, parking issues have further compounded the challenges faced by these establishments. Customers are struggling to find parking, which is not only harder to locate but also more expensive, contributing to waning sales.

The City of Dallas is aware of the impact that the construction is having on local businesses. City Councilmember Jesse Moreno has acknowledged the situation and is planning meetings with business owners and Oncor representatives to discuss their concerns and explore possible solutions. In an effort to mitigate the issue, the Deep Ellum Foundation has introduced over 1,000 parking spaces since the pandemic in response to earlier complaints, yet many business owners believe this is insufficient amid the ongoing construction challenges.

Despite efforts by businesses to signal their operational status during the construction, potential customers remain confused, often mistaking open stores for closed ones due to the extensive barriers erected for the construction work. To address these complications, the city has announced plans to enhance signage around the area, informing visitors that businesses are still operating during the ongoing construction.

The construction plans also include significant infrastructure improvements, such as a new water line, which the Department of Transportation & Public Works staff aims to complete by December 2026. However, business owners are eager for more immediate solutions and greater communication from city officials regarding the construction’s timeline and expected effects on their operations.

Similar street improvement projects have been executed in areas such as Elm Street, with similar timelines expected for Commerce Street. These efforts are intended to improve traffic flow and safety in the long run, despite the short-term challenges faced by local businesses.

As the Commerce Street project unfolds, the reality of long-term disruptions continues to weigh heavily on Deep Ellum’s vibrant business community. Owners are actively seeking ways to adapt while remaining hopeful for a resolution that will help restore the area’s foot traffic and overall economic health.