[wburg]

Well, the terrarium did pass--the Preservation Council recognized that even though most of them didn't like it, it was obvious that the City Council would override them. It's not the most dreadful thing in the world, I suppose, and they're going to build it in a way that does not involve demolition of any of the interior wall (they're maintaining the architectural features inside the framework) but to me it still looks like those greenhouse things you see stuck on the front of an Arby's.

The other precedent being set is that this project involves encroachment onto a public sidewalk: essentially, the project has been given the sidewalk and what was previously public right of way is now part of a private building. It sets a precedent that it's okay for future projects to take over the public right of way.