Businesses encouraged by demolition of Cole Manor Motel in Dallas

June 19, 2026 - 09:51

For years, the Cole Manor Motel on Harry Hines Boulevard was a source of frustration for nearby business owners and residents. Complaints about drug activity, theft, and other crimes tied to the property were common. Now, with the motel coming down, the mood in the area is shifting.

Neighbors say the fences that went up around the site and the recent demolition work have already changed the feel of the street. The old building, which many saw as a magnet for trouble, is being cleared to make way for something new. Local shop owners and restaurant operators are hopeful that removing the motel will help clean up the area and attract better customers.

The change has been a long time coming. For years, police were called to the motel repeatedly. Business owners say they had to deal with loitering and suspicious behavior that drove away regular visitors. Now, with the building coming down, there is a sense that the corner is turning a corner.

Some believe the demolition could be the start of a broader revival along that stretch of Harry Hines. While no official plans for the site have been announced yet, the removal of the motel is seen as a positive first step. For the people who work and live nearby, seeing the rubble is a welcome sight. It represents progress and a chance for the neighborhood to move past a long chapter of crime and neglect.