I lived in chicago when millenium park was being built, and many, many people were
not happy about it. I mean, I couldn't wait for it but there were many people really pissed off for a bunch of reasons, not the least of which was talk of a "bean" sculpture. You're right about it being a tourist draw now but, trust me, Chicagoans were not happy about it until months after it was finished when tourists starting showing up.
I'm so far not blown away by the design for the civic space but I am waiting to see what happens. If nothing else, I give the mayor credit for factoring in a park and shade in his grand scheme for downtown.