"It seems to me that one of the things that I would want from a project ... would be to really do something that's interesting to our skyline, to our city," she said. "It seems to me that the emphasis on the glass is interesting, and the night-lighting is very interesting, but in the day it seems to be less than titillating. It's just a square building."

Bingham maintained that the tower will be unique to the city and will prove to be anything but dull.

"With all due respect, within the context of your question: Compared to what?" Bingham said. "Compared to New York, compared to Chicago, compared to San Francisco? I think you've got valid concerns. Compared to Salt Lake City, it is a striking building. There is nothing else like it."

Other council members, including Simonsen, who is a professional architect, offered general praise for the plans. Two-term Councilman Dave Buhler said 222 S. Main has been an issue for the council since his first term began, and the progress is a long time coming.

"I think it's going to be worth the wait," he said.

A groundbreaking had initially been planned for this month but will be delayed at least until August because of the Wasatch pullout. Bingham said Tuesday that Hamilton has not finalized an agreement with any new partners, but he said a deal is close. The 430,000-square-foot tower is expected to bring about 1,600 new employees downtown.

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com