The University of Chicago closed the streets within the Quadrangles to motor traffic (during the day, at least). Even though there never was much traffic on the circle before, I can’t remember many people choosing to lounge on the benches that faced it. Now that the cars are gone, they’re choice spots.
west north 
It does look nice, and it’s a good idea, but I’m not a fan of the surface, and the connections to the street for bikes and wheelchairs are atrocious.