[coolmillion]

The plans are not detailed enough to know exactly how the atrium space will look and what the mix of retail, F and B, and other uses will be. I agree that with the right tenants it could work. I still question whether it will function as the developer intends: a lively street cannot be created out of thin air. Why would someone go hang out under a canopy when they could walk along the waterfront, go to an indoor mall or Spring Garden Road? If it's raining and warm, maybe. Otherwise, likely not.
As for interrupting the street pattern, there are planning by-laws that the closure of streets and consolidation of neighbouring blocks. These policies prevent what happened with Scotia Square from happening again. The Nova Centre proposal is different because Grafton Street is still there, but if it is closed to traffic one could argue that this interrupts the street pattern. Still, more details are needed from Rank.
I think my biggest problem with it is the canopy. Even if it is glass it will block light and get dirty. I think it would be better with awnings on either side, or even a retractable canopy.
I will be very surprised if the businesses in this block attract anyone besides convention visitors. I do like other aspects of the design (still think a waterfront location would have been better), but wish there were more detail.