Thank goodness cities now have preservation societies to lobby for/restore historic buildings. They're not always successful though.
Brush Park, Detroit 2001 [lost]
The older houses and historic preservation is one reason I've always enjoyed traveling around the midwest. I visited Lafayette, Indiana, just across the river from Purdue, and it's Historic Section is outstanding.
When the merchants did well they built fancy homes on the high ground away from the river and really had some beautiful overlooks.
The likes of a Brush Park won't be seen again, I fear.