My first visit was in January 2003 (I was studying at UNC-Chapel Hill at the time), and it looked like a neutron bomb had hit the centre of the city. If you'd told me then that seven years later, I'd be getting married in the open air of the city centre, I would have laughed in your face. It has improved hugely, and yes, there's still a-ways to go, but I'm looking forward to being there for more than a month at a time! (not a paid shill on behalf of the Durham Tourist Board, I assure you! :))