Chicago Mansions Killing Urban Character

Huge mansions have crept into Chicago neighborhoods. The city can hardly complain about the increased tax revenue, but many feel that the mansions are out of place in traditional neighborhoods of single-family homes and modest apartment buildings.

"Most cities would kill to have billionaires and multi-millionaires putting down this kind of change instead of fleeing to the 'burbs. Besides raising property values and the tax base, the homes present an undeniable sign that this part of Chicago is highly desirable. It's just that they're killing off the architectural style and urban substance that once made this area so attractive."