Be Deep Ellum

Since its inception ca. 1873, Deep Ellum has always been a place where the marginalized and misfits converge in creative brilliance.
Some say it’s a place where nobody fits, yet everyone belongs.
To BE Deep Ellum is simply to be authentically, creatively, brilliantly you.

Deep Ellum Community Center

This eclectic, unconventional community has long craved a central hub:

a space where Deep Ellum family can access business and community resources,

and where newcomers can receive a proper introduction to our culture and history.

The Deep Ellum Community Association and Deep Ellum Foundation are proud to bring this long-awaited dream to reality.

The Physical Space:

Colloquially referred to as the “City Hotel”, it’s a gorgeous, magical building. The walls are dripping in history with stories to tell. Built in 1892, it boasts a historic designation.

The address is 2528 Elm Street. It’s west of Good Latimer, in the area known as “old” Deep Ellum.

You may recognize it by the faded purple “speak” sign still hanging above the door—a relic from more recent days bygone.

It’s nearly 6000 square feet of space, but we have plans for every inch of it.

The Soul Purpose:

Unlike many neighborhoods, Deep Ellum is a community of more than just the people who live here. It’s a dynamic blend of residents, artists, businesses owners, and employees, as well as patrons of live music and good times.

To clarify, we recognize “home” as not necessarily the place where you live, but the place where you belong. And Deep Ellum is certainly home to all sorts of fascinating folks.

Because of this, we have unique and complex needs. A mixed-use neighborhood requires a mixed-use Community Center. Therefore, we have detailed plans for a multi-functional space.

Above all, we need a place where community means everyone is welcome.

The building fits this vision and is large enough to accommodate:

• Rotating Exhibits exploring the History & Culture of Deep Ellum
• Offices for local non-profits, including the Deep Ellum Foundation, Deep Ellum Community Association, and Foundation45
• Headquarters for the Deep Ellum Safety Program, Deep Ellum Safe
• Broadcasting Headquarters for Deep Ellum Radio
• Podcast Room made available for community use, hosted by Deep Ellum Radio
• Conference Room available for community use
• Shared studio space to incubate local artists and entrepreneurs
• Visitors’ Desk providing essential resources to navigate the neighborhood
• Community-led Workshops
• Launching point for Deep Ellum Tours
• And more!

A soft launch is scheduled for late this summer and the full launch early winter 2023!

Because we need help to fulfill the Deep Ellum Community Center’s greatest potential, you’re invited to “Toast” the cause.

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Every dollar goes directly to the new Deep Ellum Community Center.

Specifically, we’ll put your donation to use developing cultural exhibits, community-led workshops, and the incubator program.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us.

Your story is part of Deep Ellum’s story, too. We toast you.