Water Tower actually began going downhill long before the lockdowns and "SAINT FLOYD" riots though. Now it is mostly empty, bereft of any stores that are "pulls".
And the "SAINT FLOYD" theives are also "working" the suburban MALLS.
I noticed that the last time I stayed at the hotels next to Oakbrook Center which used to be quite upscale. There seemed to be a lot of individuals, who seemed seedy, just hanging out and not there for patronizing the stores.
My wife and I always visited the Water Tower Place, when visiting Chicago.
Michigan Avenue was a great draw, and we always walked it, and the surrounding area. Even with the occasional bums, they were always polite.
We don’t want to visit again and have our fond memories ruined.