[Mr Downtown]

Guys, it's important to remember that, to be legally defensible, landmark protection ordinances must have justifiable criteria for designating buildings. The Chicago ordinance says proposed landmarks must meet at least two of the following seven criteria: value as an example of City, State or National heritage; location of a site of a significant historic event, identification with a significant person, exemplary architecture, work of a significant architect or designer, representation of a significant theme, and a unique or distinctive visual feature. Property owners have not been shy about suing the city over any designations that might smack of vagueness.

"They add character" and "the replacement might be ugly" are not criteria that can survive a lawsuit.