I like it a lot. Some of the strong points:
- Retail and active uses along Wells street, which will help link the areas to the north and south. The phasing means that these improvements will happen first (eliminating surface parking!)
- Parking is largely tucked away (underground or next to the L tracks)
- Adaptive re-use of some of the more attractive existing structures. 871 N Franklin, 919 N Franklin, and 221 W Walton are all brick with some nice detailing and are being preserved.
- Healthy amounts of open space
- Conceptual designs for the buildings are architecturally interesting, and I like the way the materials shift to match the surroundings
Overall, a very thoughtful proposal. I'm excited to see how this turns out.