An Ohio State University student of the 1970s or 1980s might get a sense of d�j� vu from a new plan that would create a "gritty" local shopping district off High Street in the campus neighborhood.

An Ohio State University student of the 1970s or 1980s might get a sense of d�j� vu from a new plan that would create a �gritty� local shopping district off High Street in the campus neighborhood.

Campus Partners for Community Urban Redevelopment, the nonprofit responsible for South Campus Gateway and other projects that have transformed the area around OSU from an authentically funky area to a more upscale shopping district, now is proposing what Columbus Business First calls a �lower-cost counterpoint� to the chain restaurants and retailers there.

The venue would be Pearl Street, a narrow alley behind High Street that could be widened to accommodate two-way traffic with sidewalks.

�Wouldn�t it be cool to have people who are maybe coming to the area go on High Street, but the people who know the area go to Pearl? ... We�re looking at gritty,� said Campus Partners President Amanda Hoffsis, an OSU alumna, in an interview with Columbus Business First.

Yes, it would be cool � almost like years ago, when students and visitors to campus would pass such places as Mean Mr. Mustard�s and Monkey�s Retreat on a stroll down High Street.

Those types of funky businesses have largely disappeared from the redeveloped areas of High Street.

In many respects, the new face of campus is a good one, making the area cleaner and more inviting. But it�s also good, and amusing, to see the area�s development organization recognizing that there�s also a place for �gritty� businesses in a vibrant urban streetscape.