The Free Man Cajun Café & Lounge, a popular spot in Deep Ellum, Dallas, sits right across from ongoing construction on Commerce Street. The atmosphere at the café has shifted due to the construction work, with Lilyanna Canate, a manager at the establishment, expressing how it has impacted her daily life. For the past year, businesses and residents in the area have had to navigate around concrete barriers, fenced-off sidewalks, and torn-up roads as part of the city of Dallas’ project to enhance the neighborhood’s streets, sidewalks, and drainage systems.
The construction, which has been causing quite a bit of commotion, is not just an eyesore but has also led to a decrease in foot traffic for businesses like The Free Man. Lilyanna pointed out the disruptive elements like concrete blocks and fencing that have been hindering the café’s usual flow of customers. On Saturday nights, the situation worsens with heavy traffic and limited accessibility, making it challenging for people to visit the area. Residents like Jay Sanchez, while hopeful for the long-term benefits of the project, find the current state of affairs quite bothersome, with noise and disturbances driving some away from the neighborhood.
Despite the city’s efforts to collaborate with businesses to minimize the impact of the construction, many, including Lilyanna, are growing impatient with the prolonged disruption. The completion of the project is anticipated by the end of the following year, but for those who have endured a year of chaos, the wait seems never-ending. The uncertainty surrounding the timeline and the day-to-day struggles with the construction work have left many feeling frustrated and anxious about the future of the neighborhood.
