[the urban politician]

This is one site where a larger plaza is warranted, and at least if not located on the south end, won't be framed by parking podia.

If NIMBYs weren't such insufferable ass-clowns, they would ask for a bigger plaza perhaps in exchange for an even taller and thinner building, perhaps with a smaller podium at the base. Maybe require the developer to preserve and rehab the historic buildings along Dearborn instead of demolishing them.

I'm sure we will get none of that, and instead a whole gang of idiots will show up complaining about traffic and parking. But some good negotiating could turn this into a huge boon for the area.