Athens in the news

Since alot of our readers are former Athenians, I thought I would give an update of what's going on in this town.

1. Chipotle is coming to town. At one time, I would revel in this. But to be honest, I am not a huge fan of C anymore. The burritoes are too big and I often feel sick afterward. Figures, because it is owned by McDonalds. However, I know that many people/students are ecstatic about the coming. And it is better than as empty storefront.

2. Empty Storefronts on Court St.: Old Woolworth building (this will never change in our lifetime). Old Burger King. Tiny store next to Athena Cinema. Barons (Soon). Blue Gator and Seven Sauces are for sale. I guess that means that cheap food is in and sit-down fine cuisine is out.

3. Campus building. This is non stop. The newest groudbreaking is on West Green behind Stocker. OU is building another engineering building in the old river bed. (If you are familiar with Smallcombs disc golf course, this is hole 2 and 3.) They are also adding on to Porter Hall. They just finished a new dorm on South Green and Baker was completed just a year ago. Before that they built the Bentley Annex, the Life Sciences building, and a new HR office building on Union St where the old lumber store was. In the works are 2 new buildings, one for the Student Health Services and one for Alumni.

4. OU is going to buy the HDL Center AKA the old McBee building on Union St.

5. The Athens Criterion is trying to make a comeback. This was a staple event in the eighties and early nineties. Cyclists would race around the brick streets of Athens. It is very tense to watch them come around the corner of Congress onto Union St by Bromley Hall (old College Inn). Steep hill plus tight turn equals possible death. not for the faint of heart.

Oh there is always more to report but I'll stop here.