I lived for thirty years in New York City, leaving in 2016. Your statement is basically not true anymore and it makes me sad. I watched while NYC systematically tore down its characteristic buildings and replaced them with either buildings like the ones you discuss, or skyscrapers for billionaires.

The one characteristic thing that's left - and will be there for decades to come - is the brownstones. But you know, brownstones are pretty darn uniform and packed together. I found them oppressive.

Now I live in Amsterdam. What a glorious place for architecture!

Fantastic article. I hope your message spreads.