02-12-2018, 05:02 PM
(02-12-2018, 01:24 PM)nms Wrote: Structural integrity is sometimes in the eye of the beholder as well as their pocketbook. It is easier to argue to tear something down if your only measure is cost rather than other tangible or intangible factors. The (Joseph) Schneider House was saved when it could just as easily been torn down.
Sure, anything could be rebuilt, given sufficient time and money. Even Pompeii.
But in the real world commercial viability is also necessary. Of course the city can designate any building they so wish as historic, forcing the buyer to retain the said building. But too many (expensive) restrictions will make the properties more difficult (expensive) to develop and more difficult to find developers for.