I'm with you on the town homes. Check them out at night, I really love the lighting on the Granby Street side. The walkway to the towns from the drop-off area is a real treat with the art component through there (go back a page or two for photos).
I think the retail works fine if only they could get some exciting tenants in there other than another damn bank. The cladding on the first few floors is pretty good, nothing too out of the ordinary. I love dark glass separated by the white cladding and the curves are oh-so-sexy, I think it's refreshing from so many of the green glass boxes we've seen so much of. The balconies could have been treated/painted underneath, but that's a "me" thing. I'm not a height freak but Encore should have been higher. I get how they wanted Encore to step down as it moves away from Yonge Street but Encore looks a little stubby and awkward depending on where it's viewed from, The Met is slick and stands proud. Finally I like the drive around/drop off area in between the buildings, it's attractive and practical.
I'm a big fan of this project despite a few criticisms.