What is the significance of the Lincoln having spoken here to anyone that is alive today? Will demolishing the spires and using the land to build something that actually looks decent and is affordable some how bring back slavery? The arguments for the preservation of old building is founded on a selective sense of nostalgia that primarily benefits those who are already wealthy.

The arc tower is supposed to be built on a site that used to house on old time bank. Next to it is a fried chicken joint. How many of the patrons of that fried chicken place do you think look at the old building and marvel at its architecture? How many of the folks that walk by on their way to the light rail station after working their second or third job give a single fuck what building stands there? My guess is the answer is zero.

Almost every building of true historical significance is already well preserved. Historical preservation today is a virtue signal pure play. Upper class and wealthy assholes showing off to their fiends that they know how to discern the “finer” things in life.