Changing Central Chicago: effect nationally, internationally?

How (if at all) will a changing and growing downtown Chicago, an area acquiring more and more critical mass and 24/7 hours play out nationally...and even internationally? I know we have an enormous overlap in what we discuss here; I hope IÂ'm clear enough on this thread to differentiate this from previous topics. The exciting type of growth and development in downtown Chicago is probably unmatched (IMHO) anywhere in America but in Manhattan. We have a central city that is establishing itself as a place with precious few peers. The number of people who have moved to the downtown area is mind boggling. Their migration has brought with it increased retail, dining, culture, streetlife....and has added to an already incredible and magnificent setting. But a lot of the growth we see in Chicago plays out largely locally and regionally and only to a degree nationally. The question here is: Will the changes in our downtown area and its ability to be inviting to anyone seeking a comprehensive urban environment make Chicago more inviting as a place of business and culture for those across the nation - and among the influential elements in the international community? Chicago to me may be unique in the US. Among global cities, it seems to play a middle role between playing out regionally and nationally than any other. Personally I think that New York, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and even Miami feel more comfortable (or are more capable?) in their national and even international roles. Are we creating something here on the ground that will change this? Will we see new cultural institutions attracted to the setting we have? Will we see more of the street vibrancy of New York or San Francisco? More of the reaching abroad like Miami or LA? Have we done our homework downtown and in its environs to make Chicago less provenical and more of a magnet nationally and internationally? Is this alpha world class city really ready to play on an international (or even national) stage? ******* Note: I wrote this in respect to all cities mentioned (and ones that were not). IÂ'm not talking about competiton with them. I am talking about creating an environment that propells a city into a more national and international environment.>