I've been lurking here for many months now, but figured I'd contribute today for a change...
Years ago, before Calhoun bought the old Chrysler building on Wynn Drive, officials bounced around the idea of taking over the old Central Bank building downtown, which was completely empty at the time. I guess it cost too much and Calhoun probably wanted a strong presence in the Research Park area. But a downtown campus could have been a master stroke, I agree. Business geared toward students (cafes, arts, crafts, books, pubs, etc) could have sprung up all around there and offered lots of character. And with all the night classes, there would have been people around after dark for a change. Instead Calhoun went for a giant bland white box. Oh what could've been... But of course downtown is booming now (relatively speaking), but if someone were to add a downtown extension, particularly and arts/muisc type program, downtown could still really benefit.