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Originally Posted by spyguy
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Yes please, hopefully this project will result in a widened or improved pedestrian right of way on the East side of Canal encouraging the area South of Congress to develop. I could see them doing something really cool by eliminating the current vertical wall along the street and replacing it with a huge "spanish steps" style gradient from the underpass level up to the lobby level of the building all the way along Canal. They could have it intersected by various ramps and flower beds a la the furthest West part of the riverwalk that is currently open. It would really increase access to their property and it's phenomenal lobby as well as providing a public benefit by greatly improving the streetscape. It would also provide an area for the huge numbers of workers who will inhabit this structure to spread out and relax or eat lunch.
Given that Gensler is the architect, I'm sure they will find all sorts of great ways to improve the property, hopefully there is something in the budget for doing something creative to the horrendous way Canal is currently treated. Also, if my suggestion were implemented, it would generate a huge amount of street facing retail space along the base which would probably provide a significant windfall to the owners since ground floor office doesn't rent for nearly as much as upper floors and retail tends to rent for more than office to begin with.