As reported in the last month?’s Forum News, which is published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, teardowns are spreading throughout historic urban and suburban neighborhoods across the country. This is the demolition of an older home located in an attractive historic, either designated or potentially eligible for designation, neighborhood to make way for the construction of a dramatically larger new home. These new houses are often dominated by in-front driveways, three-and four-car garages?—eliminating community-friendly features, such as front porches and lawns. The overall character and charm of the neighborhood disappears and is replaced by a hodgepodge of boxy new mansions among forlorn-appearing older homes. This trend is driven by several conditions in our country. Among the top reasons are a thriving economy and a desire to eliminate long commutes. Yet, preservationists see architecturally-compatible remodeling and additions as a smart, ''win-win'' alternative to teardowns. By obtaining our historic designation, we can prevent this destructive trend from attacking our neighborhood.

By Catherine Morley



By Catheine Morley