Deep Ellum Invites Dallas to "Go Deep" In New Campaign

Real estate investment firm Westdale aims to broadens the district's late-night perception and highlight its important role in the city's rich history, culture, food and commerce

DALLAS, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Deep Ellum's largest property owner and developer, Westdale, today launched a new advertising campaign in support of the 30-block district. Westdale has called Deep Ellum home for more than 20 years, maintaining its headquarters in the district. Developed in collaboration with Deep Ellum Foundation, the campaign is designed to broaden perceptions of Deep Ellum and spotlight the district's cultural significance. The creative effort includes outdoor billboards on I-75 and Dallas North Tollway; radio and social media ads; content partnerships; and experiential elements that will run through November.

Under the tagline "Go Deep," the campaign evokes a sense of otherworldly discovery through an underwater theme. A guitar-wielding scuba diver invites locals and visitors to venture beyond their usual neighborhoods and experience why Deep Ellum has long been considered the "soul" of Dallas. With lines like "Leave the Shallow End Behind" and "Escape Dallas Without Leaving Dallas," the ads subtly juxtapose the district with more surface-level experiences, and encourage discovery of a more cultural, artistic, and lively side of the city, including during the daytime. Longtime staples like Adair's Saloon, Terry Black's Barbecue, and St. Pete's Dancing Marlin join newer destinations like Queen's Head Pub, Musical Art Garden, Kettle Art Gallery, Thrifted Threads, and more, offering the opportunity to discover art, grab a bite, catch live music or simply explore.

"'Go Deep' is an invitation to experience what those of us who love Deep Ellum have always known," said Joe Beard, CEO of Westdale, which initiated the campaign in support of the district. "Its unique and unusual attributes are what make these 30 blocks the most interesting in Dallas. We want all to appreciate Deep Ellum for being outside the norm, not in spite of it."

Deep Ellum's traces its roots to the late 1800s, when the neighborhood emerged as one of Dallas' first commercial districts and became a thriving center for Black culture, entrepreneurship and music. Over the decades, Deep Ellum also became a home and gathering place for people from a wide range of backgrounds, with Jewish, Mexican and Latino communities, immigrants and other cultural groups contributing to its businesses, traditions and evolving culture. Its streets have welcomed generations of musicians, artists, business owners, and creatives who helped shape the neighborhood's distinct identity and influence far beyond its boundaries. From its early roots in blues and jazz to its evolution into one of Dallas' most recognizable arts and entertainment districts, Deep Ellum has continually reinvented itself while holding onto the independent spirit that has defined the community for more than a century.

"I have been an active advocate and member of the Deep Ellum community since 2009. My love for the neighborhood, its food and the incredible talent that comes through here keeps me inspired and always working on something new," said Eric Bradford, Chief Operating Officer for The Bomb Factory, Queen's Head Pub and more. "Deep Ellum is unlike any other neighborhood in Dallas. The "Go Deep" campaign is exactly what the neighborhood needs to bring renewed attention to everything Deep Ellum has to offer."

About Deep Ellum
Located just east of Downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum is a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood where historic buildings and independently owned businesses sit alongside new residential, office and commercial development. The district is home to more than 400 businesses – including 180+ independently owned small businesses – as well as a growing mix of apartments, lofts, offices, restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and creative spaces. With convenient access to DART rail and close connections to Downtown, the Dallas Arts District, Baylor University Medical Center, the Dallas Farmers Market and Fair Park, Deep Ellum offers a unique environment where residents, employees and visitors can live, work and play within one of Dallas' most culturally vibrant neighborhoods. To discover all the treasures Deep Ellum has to offer, visit DeepEllumTexas.com

About Westdale
Westdale Real Estate Investment and Management (Westdale) is a national real estate investment and management company headquartered in Dallas with six regional offices throughout the country. Westdale focuses on acquiring, managing and developing investment opportunities, and evaluates investments from several types of real estate assets, including multifamily, office, retail, mixed-use and debt pools. To learn more, visit westdale.com.

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SOURCE Westdale Real Estate Investment and Management