The post below was originally on our myspace blog.
This post, and any included comments, have been copied to this blog for
the sake of continuity. Feel free to make additional comments.
Last week there was an article
written by Jonanna Widner of the Dallas Observer where she draws
comparisons between SoHo in New York and Deep Ellum. Both came from
humble beginnings: desolate neighborhoods, with empty warehouses and
vacant storefronts. Both of the neighborhoods became an epicenter of
art and music through the sheer will and determination of the artists
and venues that stepped-up to support them. SoHo suffered the fate of
gentrification--a visceral gutting of the artistic community, whose
work and devotion brought it into the spotlight. Joanna optimistically
notes that while there has always been the threat of that happening to
Deep Ellum, it hasn't as of yet occurred. She writes:
"So far
the wolves have remained at bay. Sure, many venues and businesses have
closed down, but the glory days could never have lasted forever. And
those spaces have still not been replaced by Starbucks and Prada. The
dark red bricks of those former warehouses are still covered in
Campagna's paint, with his recent Re*Cov*Er project having added new
murals of storied Dallas musicians. Kettle Art continues to bust
boundaries and attract patrons and push the music scene. Club Dada is
off the respirator, with a new, inspired booking process bringing in
fantastic acts. The Darkside keeps the shadows alive. And, just down
the street, the new generation packs the Double Wide, with its bookings
growing ever stronger. There's not a Trump to be found. Not yet,
anyway."
I do agree that the community of Deep Ellum is
stronger than it has been in a long time--possibly since the '80s. We
are now down to a smaller community of dedicated core individuals and
groups; the people who participate in the community now (residents and
otherwise) seem to love the character of the neighborhood and want to
see it thrive as a fertile ground for creativity and diversity.
Much
like the early days, if you are involved in the community, you see the
energy and the magic; if not, then most likely you won't be able to
penetrate Deep Ellum's gritty and seeming vacant exterior. In the past,
that exterior has served as armor or as a defense mechanism for Deep
Ellum; a way for it to ward off potential predators who might be
interested in exploiting it.
However, in the 90's the
predators got the taste of blood and for a brief moment got a glimpse
of just how profitable Deep Ellum could be. They haven't forgotten
either, and they are on the move. So, in that respect it is difficult
for me to share in Joanna's optimism.
I (and the rest of DEEP)
have been closely involved with the SUP (Specific Use Permit)
proceedings at both the City Plan Commission and Dallas City Council; I
have observed an undercurrent already in motion that leads me to
believe that Deep Ellum is far from being safe in suffering SoHo's fate.
City Council & Corporate Landowners Sound Off on the Future of Deep Ellum (Pt. II - The Quotes & Audio)