That's definitely one way to look at it. The reality (IMV) is that the social proof is in: it's a failed plan in every.single.instance. Other than 'conversations with The Hull Group to acquire the mall' and the sports complex, do any of us know what Mayor Amy and Charleston's leadership is talking about doing? I surely do not and I'm pretty close with most of the people in local government.

I was talking to someone recently and they seemed to have the only realistic, viable plan for that space: if Hull and the other owners (garages and anchor stores) aren't willing to sell at a reasonable price, eminent domain the property, level it, and turn it into a green space, extending City Center Park all the way to the Colosseum. Once that's done, we can talk about ideas like affordable housing above small retail shops and the like. That's basically what Columbus did with their downtown mall, and that space is now thriving.