It’s hard to imagine a private developer choosing to work within the confines of the present structures. The rooms are too small; there’s only one kitchen per building; no private bathrooms. In essence, they make very good dormitories, but not much else. Wesleyan could easily take the position, “Let the commercialization of High Street begin!” I don’t think there’s anything to lose by having a Starbucks or Uniqlo outlet next door to Fisk Hall.
I’m no expert, but, there are signs of an uptick in development in the area below High Street.