mcrdal15 wrote:DPatel304 wrote:I don't really have an update/announcement regarding Downtown Dallas, but I just wanted to say that I hung out in Downtown last Saturday for dinner/drinks and I was really impressed at how lively it all was. We had dinner at Americano, then walked over to the Statler for drinks at Scout (which was very busy). We attempted to check out Waterproof after Scout, but by the time we wanted to check it out, a huge line of about 30 people had formed waiting to get in. There was a decent amount of activity along Main Street and the Statler appears to be a huge hit.
I've always been hesitant to say that Downtown has turned the corner is no longer a ghost town, but I feel very confident in making that claim now. I know it's been decently lively for a couple years now, but, in the back of my mind, there was always the worry that a recession or a few failed projects might set us back. But with the way things are looking now, and with the upcoming developments, I think Downtown is going to get pretty lively in the next few years. In particular, I think the Discovery District and Pacific Plaza Park are going to create some serious activity once completed.
Great update! Funny I was down there on Saturday, but didn't go in the Statler (I've been in there a few times before). I definitely agree with the center of Downtown really coming alive. The walk (or bike or scooter ride) from the Statler to Deep Ellum isn't too far; however, the sidewalk infrastructure on Commerce near and below I-345 is horrendously bad. Main is the only halfway "safe" one under I-345 if you're trying to walk from DT to DE.
No doubt... I-345 is honestly the least disruptive element of this walk. There are so many simple/cheap things that can be done to address this. Simply extending a wide sidewalk along the south side of Commerce with decent trees w/grating along the street to create a buffer and provide shade, and some lighting would be fantastic. I'm always surprised that huge lot hasn't been built on yet...