Pegasus News - Dallas/Fort Worth

ScottChaffin, says:

<i>How would you insure that your assets don't go up in smoke?</i>

That's impractical, if not impossible. No businessman with an ounce of historical sense would even try. DE was born out of the creative frustration of a bunch of unmonied punk rockers and music fans like myself. That generation has grown up and moved on (isn't Liles in CA these days?), and the original dynamics behind DE have vanished. I don't see any other dynamic extant that would make it worth the blood, sweat and tears needed to make it work.

I'm looking forward to hearing what the smart people say, though. I predict lots of public money being spent.

Gregory, says:

Ok, granted, the crime is a reason not to go down to Deep Ellum. But I think a bigger problem is at the root. Money.

People just don't have the cash to hang out in Deep Ellum like they used to. I mean, it costs $8 to get into Club Clearview or Curtain Club on a Friday or Saturday night. And THAT'S if you're 21. If you're between 17 and 20, it's $11. Add that to $8-$10 parking, and you've got a $20 night on your hands, and you're not going to see some national act. That's just for the local guys.

I, personally, think that if the city stepped in, and bought the parking lots, and either made them free, or regulated the price, keep it below $5, maybe even make the meters cut off at 9 or 10 instead of 12, then more people would be apt to come out. That sounds like such a small thing, but I think once people realize that it's affordable again, they'll come out. Thus, a bigger crowd might slightly deter some of the crime.

Just a thought.

Gregory, says:

Oh, I agree, fully.

But, I mean, if you're gonna total up movies with popcorn, then you'd have to add drinks and such to the going-to-Deep-Ellum total. And comparing a Dallas Stars game, at American Airlines center to a 200 capacity club in Deep Ellum isn't quite the same (to me).

I think there are ways that money can be saved, without taking away from the clubs or the bands.

And yeah, the crime is bad. But another thing I've heard a lot of, is that innocent clubgoers are just as scared of getting caught in a tear-gas cloud, fired into a giant group of people that the police assume are causing trouble. So, putting more police down there, and trying to sanitize it doesn't really mean that more people will go. But I think if you say to everyone "free parking in Deep Ellum" more good (crime free) club goers will show up, making less room for trouble makers.

Hopefully.

frank, says:

What gets me are so many people saying that Deep Ellum is dead. They've been harping on the negative for years now, like trading bad experiences is a trendy, who can top who, social topic of discussion. This is perpetuated even more so by the press and the ongoing coverage of the civil suit against the E.C. There are also people who pass on 'wistful' words of closings and extra names magically appear, as their snowballing rumors grow out of control. Talking sh*t sure doesn't help anyone.

Lyles story in the Observer is basically lifted from his blog... Expect to pay $20.00 on down the road to read it again in his book of memoirs someday. I see his line of ‘Deep Ellum as a creative destination is history’ as tired old man BS. You know the type, jaded folks who feel they have seen it all... There seem to be a lot of those weighing in on the subject and assume it makes them feel important or superior. This kind of talk has been around since the mid-eighties about Deep Ellum not being as cool as it was from goofy f*cks who can't accept evolution... I respect Mr. Lyles opinion and admire his writing skills, but honestly Theater Gallery was considered trendy and uncool by many in DE before his legendary heyday.

The fact is wherever rent is cheap, creativity will grow. Rents are very reasonable in the area at this time. Where else in D/FW can you find large empty spaces, that easily pass inspection, with minimal expense to give your dreams your best shot? Creative people, especially younger creative people, need this option and the propagation of pessimism lessens their chance of success.

I recently opened a gallery and all is going better than expected. At our last opening, we pulled in over 200 people, everybody had a good time and we sold 15 out of 75 pieces! After expenses we made enough to cover over two months in rent in just two hours. We are not alone. There other new ventures giving it their best as well. Crustaceans and Tarantino’s are doing well, and more restaurants and another gallery are scheduled to open in the near future. Smaller live music venues such as Red Blood and The Darkside are also packing them in steadily. As for the danger factor, I’m took my daughter to see the Old 97's last night at Gypsy... Oooooh!

Personally, I see the parking situation, the homeless and this contagious apathy bug as being the biggest drawbacks the area has. Unless you like wallowing in self pity, these are problems we ought to unify against and take on, not complacently whine about while suffering the results.

Overall, everything will always be all right because we've already been through worse!

Frank

Gregory, says:

Mike, you almost hit on something that I agree with, but then you went and said something about raising the cover. I mean, sure, there needs to be more Deep Ellum places that cater to 30-somethings, but we had one. Dada. I don't see raising the cover to clubs as helping anyone but the club owners. I know for sure it won't go to the bands.

But what you touched on, was talking about show times.

I say this, and I'm in a band that headlines in Deep Ellum from time to time, and plays there often....

Deep Ellum shows are too damn late.

Who wants to go to the shady side of town and see your favorite local band play at 12:30 or 1 AM??? Not I. And I don't even like playing that late. It seems to me (from reading the paper) that most of the DE crime happens after midnight. Why don't we try and get art enthusiasts, and music fans out of there before 12.

I know I'd be grateful.

Gregory, says:

See, that's what I say, too. The city of Dallas should be treating this with urgency. They give so much attention to Southwest Airlines, and that stupid bridge that Laura Miller went all the way to D.C. to get U.S. taxpayers' money, to pay for, but for some reason, they're not seeing the importance of an entire district of Dallas.

I mean, I wasn't around during the heyday of DE, but hasn't it always been a pretty good tourist attraction? If nothing else, I knew people who came from all over Texas to see Death Cab for Cutie play at Trees. That sounds like city revenue to me.

Then again, Laura Miller doesn't much care for city revenue. (see SMOKING BAN)

ScottChaffin, says:

Frank's comment raises an interesting point -- what exactly are we supposed to be 'saving' here? Personally, I feel no loss from the closing of Trees. Dada, on the other hand, is a sentimental favorite, but then, so is Grapette soda. As I said in my first comment, the forces that originally drove the development of DE are long gone. I personally wouldn't spend a nickel of my own money down there, as I don't see a market that I would be willing to service in that environment. That's not to say there's not one -- I applaud those, like Frank, who have found a market. I just wonder if it's big enough to support a geographic area the size of DE.

Gregory, do you REALLY want the City Council and Laura Miller involved down in DE? From where I sit, she's the ultimate Kiss of Death for business, and if I were in charge, I wouldn't want her or the council anywhere near it.

frank, says:

It seems the city of Dallas could care less if Deep Ellum died. Rumors abound that Miller &amp; Co are allowing the area to become compleatly undesireable so investments can be made at bargin bin prices. By eliminating this homegrown arts district, a controlled redevelopment with close proximity to downtown will eventually happen. Meanwhile there are bridges to build, lakefront property to develop and a planned Arts District to continue spending tax payers money on. (See you at the new opera hall in 2012? Didn't think so...)

As said, this is a RUMOR. Yet in a city full of conspiracy theories it does make sense. The Deep Ellum we knew and loved, grew as a haphazard independent fluke of neccessity in the 80's. Initially there were artists and musicians that needed a place to interact, assisted by cooperative landlords happy to have anybody rent their property in this dumpy part of town. The culmination of NATURAL RESOURCES made it happen.

As things grew fewer Dallas artists moved away seeking support and recognition. Deep Ellum served as a launch pad community full of those very elements and assisted them in taking on the world. But things have changed...

At this point I'd like to see a 'back the to roots' campaign. The landlords seem ready to deal and even the parking guys are negotiable. (Tip: as you pull in don't give 'em what they ask, make 'em an offer) I've got a few ideas ready to kick into gear once spring breaks and would appreciate any feedback / assistance you may offer.

thanks, Frank

frank, says:

Oh yeah, parking is a bitch! In the name of 'performance art', a syncronized, prearranged 5 minute assault by hundreds on parking meters w/ axes, and sledge hammers, would be an effective statement to city hall! Up, Over and Out before the law has a clue...