Lovers Lane: A Bumpy Ride for Local Shops
University Park's "Miracle Mile" Undergoes Massive Overhaul
Construction Chaos
Lovers Lane, a bustling street in University Park, is currently a hotspot for construction. This isn't just any construction; it's a massive project that's been in the works for years. The goal? To give the area a much-needed facelift. But while the city is busy improving the infrastructure, small businesses are feeling the pinch.
The construction, which kicked off in May 2025 and is set to wrap up in May 2026, has turned the "Miracle Mile" into a maze of orange cones and heavy machinery. Parking has become a nightmare, and customers are staying away.
Businesses Bear the Brunt
José Romo, the manager of Chip's Old Fashioned Hamburgers, has seen sales drop by up to 50%. "It's tough, especially on weekdays, " he says.
This project didn't happen overnight. It's been in the planning stages since 2018, with final plans submitted in December 2024. The city has been working closely with property owners, businesses, and residents to make this happen. The project, approved under Dallas County Public Works' 7th Call for Projects in 2019, has a hefty price tag of $11.64 million. The city and Dallas County are splitting the costs, with DART chipping in for some of the improvements.
Struggles Continue
But while the project is on schedule, small businesses are struggling. The construction has made it hard for customers to park and access the shops. Chip's has had to cut employee hours to avoid layoffs. Even newer businesses like K&L Bagels, which opened just a few weeks ago, are feeling the impact. "People can't find parking, so they leave, " says Jaz Lopez, who works at the bagel shop.
Project Details
The project includes:
- Street paving
- Sidewalks
- Utility upgrades
- Traffic signal improvements
It's a big deal, but it's causing big problems for local businesses. The city has tried to help by opening a nearby parking lot and offering a shuttle service, but business owners say few people are using it.
City's Stance
The city maintains that this work is necessary to ensure long-term safety and service reliability. But for now, the businesses on Lovers Lane are just trying to survive the construction chaos.