Similarities between the two decades
THEN – Refurbished Omonia Square triggers negative comment in the press. Pebble paving replaced by lawn. – With the Hilton, Mont Parnes and Xenia EOT hotels, Greece acquires tourism infrastructure – Bed of Ilissos River covered over; Ilissou Avenue built. – Concern about building on Parnitha (see Mont Parnes). – Eero Saarinen’s design for Hellenikon airport amended after criticism. – End of Karamanlis’s eight years as premier, synonymous with policy of «grand projects.» NOW – Poor reception of newly refurbished Omonia Square. Municipality and government take initiatives for more greenery in square. – New and refurbished hotels opened. – Kifissos riverbed covered; Kifissou Avenue built. – Concern about building in Mesogeion area. – Government under fire from press for plowing ahead on Santiago Calatrava’s design for Olympic Sports Complex. – Costas Simitis campaigns for 2004 elections on the strength of «great projects.»
