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Deep faith: Deep Ellum update brings more restaurants, bars, hope

Following an impromptu tour of a new restaurant-filled project in Deep Ellum, developer Chuck Hixson dropped subtle hints that he's ready to move beyond the neighborhood's spotty history.

The project, Westdale's 2800 Deep Ellum, represents a mixture of city funds, developer determination, and neighborhood resilience as the community east of downtown Dallas labors toward its latest rebirth.

"We are surrounded by success," said Hixson, noting the burst of development in downtown and East Dallas. "And there will be success in this location as well. We think it's going to be successful in the future because of the new things that are happening and the [nearby] mass employment base.

The development, which is still in its formative stage, carved nine new spaces from five existing buildings, some of them 80 years old. All are in the 2800 block of either Elm or Main streets near the corner of Malcolm X Boulevard. The total project measures 30,000 square feet.

Seven spaces already have been leased to barkeeps and restaurateurs including Cindy and Jim Hughes, owners of the popular Bread Winners chain.

Opening soon:

• Hide Bar (2816 Elm Street)
• Harlowe MXM (2823 Main Street)
• Baker and Company (2820 Elm Street)
• Idlerye (2826 Elm Street)

Hixson estimates the total cost of the project at more than $8 million, not counting funds each restaurant operator will spend to get their locations ready for showtime.

Project Location

Full Proposal Document