This bigger arena should really go a half or full block further south tbh, Get rid of the stampede office and the parkade behind the dome. Add/move mixed-use to 12 Ave and make "13 Ave" pedestrian friendly for that side of the new rink with restos etc.
Also I think 4 ST and Edmonton TR should be able to handle any increase in traffic if we were to reduce or eliminate turning movements at Centre ST and 16 AVE.
I've always hoped that 16 AVE in Phase 1 would be deemed a "temporary" station. With the extension north, they build a new 16 AVE Station below grade that either straddles the Ave or is mostly north of it. That would make 9 AVE Station make the most sense long term. I'd be fine if they skipped 9...
It looks like the curvature is definitely doing it some favours! I kinda doubt its different; just that some shape vs completely flat is allowing for the dynamic lighting.
I do agree - however the new tower appears to be an inverted floorplate shape to the original tower. Hopefully that will offer some visual diversity despite it all being the same colour.