DART is planning to add $1.3 million worth of artwork to its newest light rail station in Deep Ellum. While this plan has some riders asking questions, the reality is that Deep Ellum is not Plano so khaki concrete pillars are not going to cut it.

Private development is already underway at the Deep Ellum line in Dallas, but the planned $1.3 million of money from the public will be spent on items that have little to do with public transportation. A ride on the rails in Dallas will also be a tour of an art display.

Generally, between $50,000 to $100,000 is spent on artwork at DART stops. But this $1.3 million will be spent on just one location.

Why spend that much money on sculptures? A tunnel featuring artwork in Deep Ellum was destroyed by construction. Consider this artistic payback. “Deep Ellum is an important destination for us,” said Morgan Lyons, a DART spokesman. “We had to do a lot to get into that community, and we wanted to connect with the community and celebrate the artistic tradition. We feel that’s a good investment.”

“You will know you’ve arrived when you see what they’re doing,” said Barry Aninno with the Deep Ellum Improvement District. “It’s going to be fantastic.”

Construction is still taking place on the station. It should be completed by next September.

Kudos to DART for doing the right thing by Deep Ellum.