The campus environment is changing. Businesses and skyscrapers have been and will continue to crop up on the landscape, issuing in new restaurants, clothing stores, apartments and a hotel — all of this between Fifth and Wright Streets alone.

In just the last week, Einstein Bros. Bagels opened in the basement of the Illini Union, KoFusion announced a new location to be built this summer in Urbana, and Follett’s said it was closing at the end of May. A little further back, Jersey Mike’s opened next to Cold Stone Creamery, Bankier Apartments announced its plans to demolish Gameday Spirit’s building to make way for a 14-story apartment building, and Wendy’s returned to campus on Sixth Street. And the future holds even more.

Just as one business closes its doors, another swoops in to buy up the highly valuable real estate that lines Green Street. 

The types of businesses and shops that litter campustown change to accommodate the needs and wants of the students. They are a product of what we want in the places we want to go. Contrary to what the latest recession taught us, a closing business is not necessarily the sign of a downturn in the economy. At least here, it’s a sign that something bigger and better is about to be born.

With every new business and shiny new skyscraper on campus, the University becomes a little more attractive to students present and future.

Undoubtedly, many of us ventured here from the brightly lit and densely populated suburbs, while others ventured from more rural areas to experience the feel of a so-called micro-urban community. For students from the suburbs, the feel of home lives at the heart of campus, and for students from more rural areas, a taste of the big city thrives within a few walkable blocks. 

The more businesses we can pack into this small area, the more convenient it becomes for students without cars or other means of transportation to do the kinds of shopping they are used to when they are back at home. And that sense of home can be very marketable to a prospective student who is still a little afraid to move away.

Even to the eager high school senior who is ready to escape the chains of parents at home, the hustle and bustle of every new store looks to be a new adventure.

Perhaps the only downside to the growth is also its greatest asset — the location. Campustown supports lucrative business from August to May, but once the tassels are turned in the spring, the University nearly vacates. Despite all the good that businesses can see here, they all but shut down during the summer, losing out on three months of valuable sales. This is also the only time that many families feel comfortable enough to bring their children here. Because of this, the average C-U resident cannot and will not get the opportunity to use these businesses.

Open or closed, changing business is a healthy part of a community alive and well. Goods are continuously exchanged and students are constantly interested, spending money to maintain the local businesses.  

Campustown may be changing, and we welcome it with open arms and open pocketbooks.