We aren't the first to reclaim land in our city-- and we won't be the last. Below are some examples of work that's been done around the US to remove pedestrian-hostile infrastructure.
I-490 circled the business district of Rochester, creating a large physical barrier between residents and downtown.
Transforming the eastern section of the loop to a surface boulevard with green space and mixed-use development not only beautified the city, it also reconnected the business sector to the residents and is encouraging economic development.
Traffic on the Embarcadero reached well past 100,000 vehicles a day. The elevated freeway had separated downtown from the waterfront and the Ferry Building. After its demolition, it was replaced with the Embarcadero boulevard featuring wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and light rail access. This transformation revitalized the waterfront and improved connectivity.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct was a double decker waterfront freeway disconnecting Downtown Seattle from the Elliot Bay. The freeway removal was completed relatively recently and has been replaced with an at-grade boulevard with reduced vehicle speeds and pedestrian and bike improvements. Replacing the waterfront viaduct, a tunnel was bored under downtown, now carrying SR-99 traffic.
Park East Freeway began construction in 1971 despite much opposition. Upon seeing how it disconnected neighborhoods and disrupted potential development, it was removed in 2003. Twenty-four acres of land was freed up for more development and economic growth following it's removal.