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The year was 1974.

The average U.S. apartment dweller paid $185 in rent, and gas was 55 cents a gallon. The Six Million Dollar Man was wowing TV audiences, and Eric Clapton released “I Shot the Sheriff.”

And on Chimes Street, the dual doors to Dirty Pierre’s and Horny Harriet’s Bar were usually wide open. Smoke drifted up to the low ceilings as patrons played foosball and pool while slurping up pitchers of draft beer, pretty much the only form of entertainment available at the time.

In 2007, newer businesses operate on Chimes Street, but its evanescent bars, unique street characters and bad parking remain largely intact. The streetscape, however, is poised for the most significant makeover in years.

A handful of businesses are set to open on Chimes Street, while LSU prepares to launch a substantial redesign of the public space that borders the campus. The changes, says Highland Coffees owner Clarke Cadzow, are long overdue—especially for businesses that have hung on for years hoping for a better day.

“The neighborhood has challenges,” he says. “While some businesses have not lasted, some have thrived for decades.”

Here’s an overview of big change on Chimes:

The first two changes are larger-scale and affect Chimes’ overall streetscape.

The first is Tiger Town Plaza. 166 Chimes Street has morphed into a plaza, with a new addition under way that incorporates neighboring State Street into the design. A large covered walkway connecting the neighboring buildings will open onto State Street, leading to a parking area and additional retail space. The plaza has more than 8,000 square feet available for lease. Cole, Cole and Hall Properties LLC is handling the renovations; the company says the plans are to complete the project next year. Chinese Combo King is set for completion this month.

The second major change is LSU’s new pedestrian walk. The lone sidewalk on Chimes Street soon will have a better half.

“Historically the Northgate area is the back door [of campus], and we’re trying to make it more of a front door,” says Jason Soileau, assistant director of LSU’s Office of Facility Development.

Instead of weaving in and out of parked cars on their way to lunch at The Chimes, pedestrians will enjoy an oversized sidewalk complete with integrated seating and landscaping.

Besides these two street-level developments, a number of new restaurants are set to open. Among them:

No buffets here. Chinese Combo King will prepare made-to-order Chinese fare while diners watch chefs from their tables. The restaurant’s floor plan is open, allowing views of the kitchen from any seat in the house. Once a fixture in the New Orleans Centre, the business was moved to Baton Rouge by its owners following Hurricane Katrina. “We are excited about the new start,” co-owner Alice Lo says.

Reginelli’s is branching out of its NOLA-area comfort zone. According to Darryl Reginelli, the location “dropped into [their] laps.” After Reginelli and partner Bruce Erhardt looked at the property and location, there was no way they could talk themselves out of it, Reginelli says. They hope for a mid-August opening, following extensive renovations. The restaurant is vibrant and authentic, boasting in-house production for the focaccia bread, pesto and sauces.

The owner of Wahada Sushi, Jerry Yu, will bring Japanese cuisine and sushi to the block.

Although its official location is State Street, Koi will be accessible through Chimes Street. Koi revolves around two bars, sushi and liquor. The sushi bar will be center stage, while the liquor bar will be tucked to the left of the restaurant. Expect to see traditional rolls, appetizers and entrées on the menu.

All the activity brings much-needed momentum to Chimes Street, say the area’s business owners.

“We’re at an interesting point,” says Chimes owner Tim Hood. “Things are looking up.”