Downtown building preservation fight back in the news

I walk by the 42-46 East Superior buildings often. The property owner is entangled in a preservation fight. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Block Club has followed the story of beloved downtown buildings some preservationists and owners are looking to protect. Other owners object to landmark status as it will hurt their investment. I pass many of buildings in the Block Club story often. 

42 East Superior is the long time home to Sunnyside Up Breakfast and Brunch.

Selfishly, the buildings do make me happy to see. Some seem like "slam dunks" to preserve like 17 East Erie Street (below) while others are definitely grey area. An ordinance or zoning change that affects the the market value of your current property can be life changing! Baring health and safety issues should local government be able to change the status of a building owned for decades by a private owner?

17 East Erie owned by Richard Driehaus is part of a fifteen building list being considered for landmark status. The owner supports landmark status. I took this photo a couple winters ago when the courtyard was getting an overhaul.