Chicago's Building Blues: A Look at Two Big Projects
In Chicago, a massive structure is causing quite a stir. It's not just any building; it's the unfinished presidential center dedicated to Barack Obama. Some folks think it's an eyesore, towering over the South Side like a scene from Star Wars. But is it really the worst example of presidential architecture right now?
Washington D.C.: Trump's Grand Vision
Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., another controversy is brewing. Donald Trump is tearing down the White House's East Wing to make room for a grand neo-Classical ballroom. Critics are up in arms, accusing him of destroying American heritage for something they see as tacky and gaudy.
The Progressive Dilemma
But here's the thing: progressives often talk about preserving beauty in old buildings, but they struggle with new developments. They're great at protecting what's already there, but not so much at ensuring new buildings are built on time or that they're even nice to look at.
Trump's ballroom, for instance, is something the presidency has needed for a long time. Sure, there might have been a better way to go about it, but at least it's getting done. That's something that can't be said for many projects in liberal-leaning areas, where bureaucracy often leads to delays or even abandonment.
The Obama Tower: A Progressive Eyesore?
Now, don't get it twisted. This isn't a defense of Trump's taste in architecture. The most beautiful cities in America are usually those with a lot of left-leaning preservation. But the point is, progressives need to do better at making sure new buildings are not just necessary, but also pleasing to the eye.
Take the Obama tower, for example. Sure, there are valid arguments against its construction, like gentrification and overcrowding. But let's be real, no one wants to live under a shadow that feels more oppressive than progressive.
The Bottom Line
In the end, Trump's ballroom might just be a useful building that looks fine, if not dazzling. But the real issue is that progressives need to step up their game when it comes to new architecture. They need to build more and make sure those buildings are worth looking at.
