Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is packed with shoppers and gawkers, but to some, the area just south of there is not so magnificent. Now, some downtown boosters want to change that.

Today, a downtown development group unveils a plan to bring glitz to Michigan Avenue south of the river. Ty Tabing directs the Chicago Loop Alliance. He says one suggestion is to create a set of grand, ornamental steps.

TABING: The concept is to create a real visual entrance that could become a real plaza for people to gather, there could be a water feature, or movable furniture.

The price tag for this and related suggestions could top $160 million.

Chicago’s Planning Department would ask Michigan Avenue property owners to pick up the tab.

I’m Shawn Allee, Chicago Public Radio.