Leon Whiteson's criticism of the First Interstate tower is simply wrong. Its architects have designed an elegant facade without being fussy. Whiteson laments "inadequate detailing," but a more intricate treatment would detract from the serenity of the facade--which accomplishes a massive task of enclosure with grace.
Many of the features Whiteson finds objectionable are examples of good design. For example, Whiteson argues that the main lobby entrance (at 5th Street) is obscured by the multistory illuminated glass wedges outside its recessed doors. These "light fins" are very interesting architectural elements that create a sense of both procession and enclosure. They "cloak," which is an appropriate and delightful way of entering this obelisk to commerce, far superior to a solution that would carry the facade as a solid wall down to ground level.
