Higher quality new residential architecture

[Chris E]

I find that a lot of the time something old and perhaps of heritage value is torn down, usually the final insult is the bland structure that replaces it, even though there shouldn't be a problem creating a new building that's even more architecturally pleasing that the previous. The example I like to use is how it's doubtful anyone mourns the loss of 1700's structures that might have existed where the Empire State building or Chrysler building now stand, due to the high quality of the present structures. Here's a link to some photos I randomly snapped of 2+ story residential that I thought seemed a bit higher quality than the norm, but as with anything to do with architecture that's a subjective statement and open to debate, so comments or other examples are welcome.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/calgaryher ... 105747601/