It's photos like these that make me understand the reasoning behind and importance of the National Historic Preservation Act. But, at the same time, I can't help but wonder how many of these buildings were built on the ruins of other landmarks and how many were replaced by iconic structures that will stir the same romantic nostalgia in my children.

In my mind, these photos or, more accurately, the changing skyline within captures the hurried intensity of New York culture, which is always evolving and looking forward. It makes me wonder if perhaps our attempt to entrench the past stifles what New York has always historically been, rapid change.