I do not love the architecture at Parcel 12, but I really am happy with how Mass Ave no longer feels like the edge of the Sarlacc pit. I've seen some opinions on this board and a few places in the wild, and my only take is that the absolute last thing any city should consider is pleasing the views of cars that are passing through on their way somewhere else. Boston is an absolutely beautiful city and there are tons of great vistas on the ground (hell, even in cars on surface streets!). I'm guessing the steps at the top of the new Parcel 12 plaza will be a splendid place to catch a glimpse of the Pru/Hancock/Dalton.
Yeah, Parcel 12 has really already turned the area from the edge of the world/nothingness feeling to a normal city street/block. As for the views, let's hope the Sox get their air rights approved (and built), which would leave only a small gap from Beacon St to Parcel 12 (if the Beacon to Brookline Ave project ever... does anything at this point). Just a gap between charlesgate and this, making any expectation of a 'view' pretty moot.