Uhh those renderings look a lot different from what was first proposed... the benches are absent from all of them, whereas the original proposal was a little more imaginative with curved planters, seating, and public art. These renderings look incredibly dull... it literally is a reconstruction of the sidewalk and some slightly raised planters.
Definitely a victim of The Cheapening.
EDIT: Made a little comparison post on my blog
Confirmed. Definitely The Cheapening™.
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