July 20, 2025

Deep Ellum Businesses Struggle Amid Ongoing Construction

here-intlog
July 20, 2025
7:07 am
Milwaukee

News Summary

Deep Ellum business owners are grappling with significant revenue declines due to extensive construction on Commerce Street. The project, aimed at enhancing street accessibility, has drastically reduced foot traffic. Some establishments report losses as high as 80%. Parking issues and visibility challenges compound their difficulties. While city officials acknowledge these issues and are attempting to address them, many business owners remain concerned about the lasting impact of the construction on their livelihoods.

Deep Ellum, Texas – Business owners in Deep Ellum are facing significant revenue declines due to ongoing construction along Commerce Street, which began last fall. The project aims to convert Commerce Street from a one-way to a two-way street while also improving drainage and sidewalks. However, the construction has severely impacted customer access, causing a notable drop in foot traffic.

Several local business owners have reported substantial losses since the construction commenced. For example, the owner of St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin indicated that business has decreased by 21%, while Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard has experienced a decline ranging from 30% to 40%, fluctuating month by month. Arch by Suki has reported an even steeper 80% drop in foot traffic, prompting its owner to reconsider her location.

The construction project carries a budget of $30 million and is forecasted to last until the first quarter of 2027. The Department of Transportation & Public Works in Dallas is executing the improvements, including a new water line, with a completion target of December 2026. This extended timeline has frustrated local business owners who are seeking immediate solutions from city leaders.

Businesses in the area are employing various strategies to draw customers despite the disruptions. Many owners have placed signs to indicate that they remain open, yet customers often perceive their establishments to be closed due to the extensive construction barriers surrounding them. In addition, parking issues have intensified; patrons report difficulties in finding available parking and increased costs due to the ongoing construction.

City Councilmember Jesse Moreno has acknowledged the challenges faced by businesses in the community and is planning to meet with owners and representatives from Oncor to address their concerns and explore potential solutions. The Deep Ellum Foundation has attempted to alleviate parking woes by adding over 1,000 parking spaces since the pandemic, but according to business owners, these efforts have not fully compensated for the disruption caused by the construction.

Similar street construction projects have been completed in other nearby areas like Elm Street, following a comparable timeline. In response to the ongoing challenges, the city is also planning to enhance signage to better communicate to visitors that businesses are still operational during the construction period.

Despite the city’s efforts to improve conditions and promote access to local businesses, many owners remain anxious about the prolonged nature of the project and its impact on their livelihoods. As construction continues, ongoing communication between city officials and Deep Ellum business owners will be crucial in addressing both immediate and long-term concerns.