King Street East, a block south of this, is already dynamic and animated.
Why not repeat that formula here? I see no reason why this entire block should be built with the same slab podium we see everywhere else and not a more fine-grained approach like Westbank/Mirvish Village. This is a blank slate and an opportunity for city building and I'm afraid it's going to be squandered.
...But I'll list some free reasons here to get the jump on podium apologists:
- Huge grocery store.
- Richmond is a highway on ramp.