The Mega Mall or "Logan's Crossing" development as built was far different from the renderings that were presented to the community. It was difficult to get community buy-in for this project and I've personally received complaints about the cheapening of this facade. @ChicagoDPD

The transom windows, the interesting second floor windows, even the clock were selling points for the community. This was a planned development, so from what we were told, the developer should have been held closely to the proposed design. That's not how it worked out in practice

The final version is even a departure from the developer's website, which still shows this as the project where their circular windows are far more elaborate.

@ChicagoDPD, when requested by the developer to modify the original design with the addition of "cementitious panels" and modifications to windows, transoms, brickwork and spandrels determined that it did not create an adverse impact on the development. In fact it was all "minor"

Building community support for projects like this has meant, for the last ten years, I've hosted meetings where developers present renderings. @ward32chicago and LSP worked for a year to arrive at the final design only to have @ChicagoDPD decide details weren't important.

I know there will be people telling me that the building is still attractive, it's ok, it's good that it has density, but how do I tell people in the community next time that we can believe the developers or that the city will hold them to their plans when they clearly won't.

The circular window here, facing Logan Square, isn't a clock and I don't know that I would even describe it as "decorative." How did @ChicagoDPD let this building depart SO FAR from their original proposal? How can it be prevented from happening again?

Compare it with the windows that were installed at Lathrop. Did the developer of the “Logan’s Crossing” just head over to ClimateGuard on Pulaski and say “give your finest cheapest windows?”

Perhaps the most maddening part of the whole thing is reading the letters and imagining this dead voice issue the verdict each time: "DPD has determined (fill in the blank) will not create an adverse impact on the planned development or surrounding neighborhood."