<p>I went to UC for grad school, and some of the things that have been closed, e.g., the movie theater, were open and thriving back then. Harper Court was also bustling back in the day. My sense is that there was a big decline and the revival is starting from a low baseline. </p>
<p>This seems to contrat with New Haven. Here Yale has forced out thriving local businesses and replacing them with generic chains–so some of the locals are not happy about some of their faves disappearing. My sense is that Hyde Park residents might be happy to see retail returning. Anything is better than nothing. </p>
<p>BTW, is Jimmy’s, the bar, still around? It was a big hangout for grad students of drinking age.</p>