I think this has been this way for about a month. I remember reading somewhere about the changes... maybe Google Earth Blog?

here we go....
http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2006/08/new_google_3dwa.html
22nd August 2006

Dnpeal is right, Google Earth Blog too :-) (to the day)

OK, thanks!

Wouldn't that be considered a complex model? Too bad it's hard to see the nice gold leaf/paint that decorates City Hall. Looks too dull.