Stage set for revival in Dallas' Deep Ellum

Stage set for revival in Dallas' Deep Ellum Dallas Morning News June 19, 2009

For a year, Dallas-based developer Scott Beck worked to buy up about 10 acres of Deep Ellum to build a mixed-use project that would have dramatically changed the heart of the entertainment district.

It was a deal that promised to revive Deep Ellum or threatened to destroy its character – depending on your point of view.

He brought in real estate broker Barry Annino, who helped draw contracts for the property at premium prices. Then the economy tanked. Property values dropped 20 percent, the agreements were overpriced, money was hard to get – and the deal was officially dead in December.

Much of Deep Ellum was on hold during the Beck deal while people tried to figure out whether they could cash in or would want out. But now, the district is beginning to stir, particularly with the upcoming link to the city's light rail system. ....