I think most of the monolithic feelings are mostly due to the super low density around in all directions for a few lots or blocks. Surround this one with a bunch of other 4 - 6 walkups and you lose that feeling.
Once the retail opens, those front overhangs will be an interesting opportunity for outdoor semi-sheltered patio space. It won't stop all rain and traffic noise but would certainly cut down from just being the loose chairs with no structural overhang approach most places have in this city that are largely unattractive and unwelcoming. Will be curious to see how/if tenants are able to take advantage of it.
Finally, street parking would do wonders to create more of a barrier between the loud traffic and the development. Creates a fringe to help insolate residents, visitors and pedestrians from the awkwardly high traffic volumes and noise as a result of the highway off-ramp transition zone combined with car centric uses on the other two corners.
The courtyard idea is really cool - I have no clue if it'll pan out or not. Makes me wonder what would have been if a similar approach was used on a full block development to make the courtyard more grand. That block CY33 is on is the size of many stellar blocks in Berlin and other German cities that feature substantial courtyards, high density (but confined to 6 floors so not disimilar to this) and huge vibrancy opportunities - on account to their off-street nooks and pathways in the courtyards for any manner of business and aesthetic you want and the overall density to provide patrons to fuel them.
My opinion hasn't changed on this one as it nears completion. Cosmetic tweaks aside (i.e. less metal in place glass balconies etc.) the fundamentals are solid. This is great infill at a reasonable scale to make a difference to area vibrancy.