A Tale Of Two University Campus Edges

"Meet Me on MainStreet, a two-day campus celebration starting today marks the end construction and the emergence of a $250 million project 10 years in the making. A series of events, including fireworks, a carnival and an outdoor hip-hop concert, will give the University of Cincinnati the chance to show off its new core to community members."

University of Cincinnati's MainStreet corridor includes a student union, a recreation center, and space for student organizations and housing. The development is part of UC's Master Plan, begun in 1989, and is the largest capital project in the university's 187-year history.

It's paid for mostly by student fees. A full-time student next year will pay a $147-per-term "campus life fee" for MainStreet.

On the West Coast, in Berkeley, the university and the city are looking at ways to revive Telegraph Avenue, an area similar to UC's Main Street.

"Recognizing that Telegraph Avenue and UC Berkeley are inextricably linked -- 80 percent of students live in the surrounding area -- Bates [Berkeley's mayor] wants UC to join the city in launching a marketing campaign to draw people back.

Cal officials back the plan and are setting aside money to add two police officers to the area, said university spokeswoman Irene Hegarty. They also favor Bates' call for a marketing plan."

Thanks to CollegeTownLife.com