Video: Deep Ellum art scene grows, crime rates decline

Although Deep Ellum hasn't fully restored itself to its glory days in the 1990s, liveliness has certainly increased.

The Traveling Man statue stands by the DART Green Line.

There was once a time when Deep Ellum was so popular that streets were often blocked with traffic.

However, today the streets are much emptier than they were during the once restless nights of the 1990s.

"Back in the late ‘70s and ‘90s Deep Ellum was the edgy, cool place to go," Deep Ellum resident Megan Shaw said. "Once it got really popular, people were able to recognize opportunity for crime. So once that happened, Deep Ellum kind of just died for 10 years."

Ten years later, a walk through the once crime-plagued streets has transformed into a trip to the gallery.

The creative Deep Ellum community has put up murals and art structures, developing a sense of comfort and expression.

"There's dog parks, and they got neat artwork and graffiti that's well-done all over the place," Shaw said. "It's a really fun place to walk around, because it's not a scary part of town anymore."

Many residents believe this is only the beginning of the area's transformation.

"Eventually, down the road, we want an app to be able to tour Deep Ellum as you're looking at the murals," Paula Ramirez, a board member of Deep Ellum Community Association, said.

Crime rates in the neighborhood have dropped dramatically since 2004.

Deep Ellum Art on the Rise

Video from Vimeo user SMU-TV

There were 50 reported aggravated assaults in 2004 compared to only eight assaults in 2009.

Business owners, like Jay Jerrier of the Italian restaurant Cane Rosso, find security in the recent increase of police enforcement.

"There's so many cops down here now," Jerrier said. "It's not like it used to be for sure."

In addition to more police officers, resident housing is also increasing. Now, residents find it easier to connect to other parts of Dallas.

"The DART is awesome," Shaw said. "You can hop on them very easily, then you could go all the way up to SMU if you needed to."

Throughout the transition, Deep Ellum residents strive to preserve the neighborhood's unique yet tight-knit culture.

"It speaks volumes to the different points of views people have in the neighborhood," Ramirez said. "It's not uniformed, at all. I mean, good luck trying to have a homeowners association here; it wouldn't work."

Although Deep Ellum hasn't fully restored itself to its glory days in the 1990s, liveliness has certainly increased.

Movements like the Public Improvement District, which was created in 2006, has helped crime decrease and businesses thrive.

Restaurants once again have lines during lunch hour and art galleries are buzzing.