I have stomemason's work and almost all of ratracer's things, also. The problem with using a sky done or a cyclorama background is real life isn't like this: one building in the middle of nowhere with no other buildings or people around.

I also own "Henry Square North" (the link you gave). Real nice.

Regarding "Backstreets", I don't want a clean look, i love the worn textures because they're so realistic. Fantastic buildings and props. I'm talking about adding weather elements so the streets will be snow covered or rainslicked and there will be ice or raindrops on the windows, etc.

I know this is a tough request. Just thought i'd throw it out there.

Regarding the other ideas, i might tackle the people/city interior/exterior backgrounds myself.