The Facts:Hillsborough Street reads like a storybook; its history is intrinsically tied to that of the University. The construction to the street has been irritating for many students, but renovations are certainly nothing new.

Our Opinion:Students should never be surprised to see history repeat itself. It holds insights into the past, for all of us — even Hillsborough Street.In 1985, Hillsborough Street received what were, at the time, major changes.Thousands of students, millions of vehicles and 25 years later, the cycle is repeating itself. The following is a Technician staff editorial from February 1985; it was filled with the hope and promise of a revitalized street and beams with the thought of a street to call home.Ironically, Oberlin Road is again being rerouted and the mini-mall in the Electronic Equipment Company building has long since closed.But part of the University education depends on engaging with the past and realizing its lessons.The Hillsborough Street construction project has made the north side of campus difficult to deal with this year and has certainly enraged quite a few motorists and pedestrians alike.Students’ sense of optimism now is tame compared to that of students from a generation ago, but the hope for a better Hillsborough has never been more profound.Perhaps, it’s time to take a lesson from the past:

Feb. 18, 1985Some places never change. But then again, sometimes they never stop changing.Within the next year, the appearance of Hillsborough Street will change drastically. A mini-mall will be built in the Electronic Equipment Company building and McDonald’s will open in the location of Studio I. To add to the list, Oberlin Road will be detoured to relieve the congestion during rush hour.Students should be pleased to know that the proposed mini-mall will cater to their needs by housing specialty shops and stores. The close proximity will also make shopping for students more convenient.Although the McDonald’s on Hillsborough Street has received much criticism, the restaurant will keep the theater atmosphere by adding two seven-foot movie screens that will show old movies. In hopes of capturing the students’ attention, patrons will have the choice of either dining in a typical McDonald’s environment or watching a movie while they eat.To address the problem of traffic on Hillsborough Street, the city of Raleigh will reroute Oberlin Road to feed directly into Pullen Drive. This move will relieve the congestion that often occurs during rush hours. While the road construction will further add to the immediate traffic problem, it will help in the long run.Though Hillsborough Street will never be the same, it’s never been better.