The Economy of Morningside Heights is largely operated by Columbia University. Since the university’s renovation, it’s been doing more than just expanding classes and campuses. The university owns many of the buildings surrounding the university, and have taken over many of the smaller owned businesses in the general neighborhood. Much like a hurricane, gentrification can be tracked down the to epicenter of the campus. The closer to the university, the more “gentrified” things appear to be. The landscapes are better, the diners and delis are higher end, the bars are pricey, and the shops are downright trendy. Cafes, bistros and bookstores line the neatly groomed sidewalks and shrubbery is upkeep to a pruned hedge. The farther out you go, however, the less “gentrified.” Old parts of the neighborhood remain, historical landmarks, stores, and restaurants surviving from an older generation. There’s also a noticeable change in the quality of services. Restaurants turn into family owned pizzerias, cramped, lower end stores, and food more geared to take-out rather than table service.