Quote:
Originally Posted by Jjs5056
There is no ground level retail, though, that's the issue. It is a massive parking garage:
Van Buren - is a complete blank wall with the garage entrance in the center.
Central Ave - has one commercial space that is going to be used as an incubator (9-5 business)
1st Ave - has one commercial space that is going to be used for the transit offices (9-5 business)
I suppose those 2 spaces could be considered ground level retail, but they'll make for a much different type of street activation as opposed to, say, a restaurant with late night and weekend hours.
When you consider that its 3 sides front 3 of the busiest streets in downtown, that it connects to 2 light rail stops and the entire hub of the bus system, a garage with 2 offices on the ground level is a total waste of prime real estate.
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You're describing many downtowns, including LA and Chicago - where there is no lack of street life but where buildings like Sears/Willis and the Hancock Tower are, garage and retail.