Re: Lee Harvey’s (and Deep Ellum)

Seems we’ve stumbled into a bigger discussion with all the Lee Harvey’s/Deep Ellum/entertainment district/city responsibility talk. After the jump, a Deep Ellum-dwelling FBvian (rightly) defends his turf, and a longtime FBvian defends an even bigger area.

Before that, though, my take: Yes, I think much of what has happened in Deep Ellum, at least lately, is the fault of some of the property owners. But I also think the city has not done enough to support the business owners. It’s probably smart financially to wait along with the landlords for the big payday that will boost the bottom line. But for the overall health of the city, we need Deep Ellum. We need new neighborhood anchors like Lee Harvey’s. We need entertainment and entertainment districts more than you might realize.

And to clarify, I don’t think there isn’t anything to do in Dallas. There is plenty. My point is that, if unchecked, that could be the case. To avoid that, the city needs to get more proactive, and by “the city,” I mean both the government and the citizens.
Deep Ellum isn’t boring:

As a guy in Deep Ellum, I can only barely agree with the poster. I think the city tries, but, and only in our case, its mostly the fault of a few folks sitting on property waiting for their big payday. worked for Cole and McKinney, working downtown… City is just a government, not a landlord. much.

I have learned that some vive communities will clash with those that really seem to belong in the country. I for one can’t sleep in the dead silence of far North Dallas. but it nice to visit. I have seen neighbors buy in my area, looking for the city life, and I watch as they moan about the noise, crime, filth, bums or whatever they didn’t want to expect.

I wonder how they would do in Manhattan, or the 7th in Paris. Here’s the rule, if the noise of a bus makes you mad, Dont live in the city. But that’s me.

Also, folks, Deep Ellum is still a great place to live. Business will be around again soon.

And neither is the rest of Dallas:

I want to weigh in here as I believe I am having a lot better time in Dallas than the person whose lengthy note you posted. Possible reasons: I explore the city, appreciate it’s emerging diversity, and have an innate spirit of adventure whereas most persons and Dallas occupants do not. And oh yes, a positive frame of mind never hurts.

I too love Lee Harvey’s. Have know Seth since he was plowing through post pubescent auditions for more than amor de la noche. But this person you post talks about the West End, which was never for anyone who lived here anymore than the strip in Vegas is for locals. Deep Ellum is indeed in dire straits, and I have also written about this with earnest lament. All the more reason to do as I do; go to Café Brazil and Monica’s, places that have stayed throughout the ups and downs. People who have moved on and discuss Ellum’s demise probably are doing nothing in real terms to support it. Go eat and drink at the Angry Dog. (Best BLT in Dallas), try the burgers at Twisted Root. Etc. Talk is cheap, and so are Deep Ellum’s $$-entertainment values.

Nearby DT, try a beer and jazz at PEARL, Commerce and Pearl. Afterwards, jazz crawl to the Balcony Club above the Lakewood Theater late. Great music also. Or so to South Dallas South Lamar to catch acts and terrific food at Brooklyn. Want to dine Colombian in far North Dallas? Looking for salsa bands and dancing? I’ll take you there. Want to have Vera Cruz style food in Bishops Arts in Oak Cliff? Ready for breakfast on Harry Hines at either the Market Café or legendary Mecca? Want a cheap steak somewhere? Want to catch alternative music? Want to hike on 700 acres at the Cedar Hill Preserve (yes, it’s in Dallas). Want to see part of the largest urban forest in the nation? (yes, it’s in Dallas). I could go on and on………….. because the list is lengthy and real, and often as not, new each week.

I am never going to see 50 again and I can guarantee you I am finding this city more alive and interesting and involving than at any time in my native Dallasite life. If your writer friend feels they need to go to Ft. Worth because Dallas is ‘dead’, it is their pulse one needs to check, not our city’s.