In 1984, the once-popular Harvard Bazaar and Corcoran's closed their doors. Woolworth's left Central in 1997, leaving stores like CVS as the only place to shop for everyday items.

"There are still big businesses like the chains that can support themselves, but it's on the decline," Boyer says.

Central Square has also seen a reduction in the number of its small "mom and pop" restaurants and stores. In 1997, the site of the popular Harvard Donut Shop was taken over by a Starbucks franchise, leading to an uproar by citizens of the area.

"People didn't like a chain coming in," Boyer said. "Many people still don't go into Starbucks."

There was also controversy recently when the Holmes Block at the intersection of Mass. Ave. and Magazine Street in Central Square was demolished in order to build 72 units of new housing in the heart of the square.

The new building, which is still under construction, displaced several small merchants from Central Square.

"It was seen as gentrification," says Charles M. Sullivan, executive director of the Cambridge Historical Commission.