"Progress" in the Neighborhood

Part of the charm of our neighborhood are the older homes that line the streets. From two-story English tudors like ours to welcoming bungalows, the styles and sizes are unique, with something for everyone.

But I get concerned when I see cute little homes like this one get sold.

While a 1500 square foot home was once considered large enough for a family of four, the average square foot of a family home today is 2200 square feet. And typically homes of this size that are sold look like this next.

And then like this.

Sure, the city guidelines say that a home has to be at least 10 feet from the lot line. The new homes going up are 10 feet from each lot line, on both sides. (The white picket fence you see here belongs to the home next door to this one.) It appears that this one is also 10 feet away from the back lot line, too.  And while I'm sure this one falls within the guidelines for elevation, it is going to tower above the homes around it.

I'm glad that the economy is turning around, happy for the construction company who got this job and I'm sure it will be a lovely home for a nice family. But it saddens me to see the history and architecture of the last century be destroyed. Having toured some of these new homes in the neighborhood, I can tell you that they lack the charm and special touches of older homes like ours.

At least, that's the way I see it.