i *love* this idea!
according to crain's chicago business, an urban design firm was hired by the state street biz bureau to develop ideas that would spruce up the Loop. the ideas ranged from boring (better signs and lighting) to over-the-top, and one of the over-the-top ideas is actually moving forward to a bit more in-depth exploration. apparently the consulting firm took advantage of mayor daley's penchant for urban greenery and proposed upside-down landscaping underneath the el tracks. i can't wait. new york can have their "gates" if we get upside down trees and bushes!