Did those empty lots turn out to be anything?

yeah, empty

>>29797549
In the center of each one is a tiny scale model of a gym.

>>29797589
I know this is a joke, but I had the same question as OP and the only thing I can think of is that we'll be getting a "Pokémon Eclipse" that revisits the old formula in a way, where the E4 is improved upon and gyms have been constructed.

>>29797630
>Pokemon Sun and Moon 2
If Gen 5 did it, why not Gen 7?

>>29797680
That's also very possible, and I'm very okay with it.

>>29797700
> still no Sucker Punch tutor or a mega with +40-50 speed for incineroar
it hurts ;_;7

>>29797549

They could be setting up for squeal games that have the trial captains becoming gym leaders, with 2 new characters taking ghost girls place and to make the 8th gym leader if they don't make Guzma a gym leaders.

But knowing how Gamefreak has been with these games, they probably half assed it and couldn't be bothered putting a building in the empty plots so made them out to be something when it's really nothing.