Jesus. Definitely worse. Streetwall be damned, this is oppressive. Yes, it has some nice materials and yes, it is articulated but this kind of windowless blank wall is not acceptable for the West Loop's premier boulevard no matter how they pretty it up. This belongs on Lake St, where the L tracks will always be somewhat oppressive.
At least the pocket park reduced the scale of the podium on the street and had the potential to soften it with 1-2 mature trees. Should go back to that version IMO. It is not a good tradeoff just to get a measly retail space.
There's a third option too, which is keeping the L-shaped podium but enclosing the setback area with a glassy atrium. Could be used for a grand lobby or signature restaurant.
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la forme d'une ville change plus vite, hélas! que le coeur d'un mortel...
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