University Avenue means different things to different people. It’s always been eclectic, unruly, noisy, gritty. And the street has seen its fortunes rise and fall over the decades. But its purpose has always been the same: to provide a vital link between Minneapolis and Saint Paul for people and commerce. During the first half of the 20th century, it was a thriving commercial corridor, defined by places like the Minnesota Transfer Railway, Montgomery Ward, Brown & Bigelow, Lexington Ballpark, Prom Ballroom, and the popular streetcar. The 70s and 80s were not as kind to University, as new freeways and suburban development ushered in a period of slow decline. More recently, thousands of immigrants began living out their hopes and dreams, and the Green Line light rail has drawn new activity and development to the avenue.