Biking to work daily I travel through several south Denver neighborhoods.  For the past four years an infrequent but growing surprise in the morning has been rounding a corner to see a bulldozer clawing apart years and years of life and memories.

Even though it happens often, it’s still a shock when you expect to see your friendly joggers and dog walkers, and are greeted with a bulldozer and fire truck.  The Tear Down” or “Scrape Off”, is the term used which the small World II brick houses are being demolished in order to construct large modern homes on the same lot.  (At least people WANT to live in the city).  These new homes often appear garish and out of place compared to the other homes on the block, and completely change the landscape of a street and community.  Adjacent residents often complain of blocked light due to the height of the new homes, as well as an overbearing feel since the new structures closely abut the property line, leaving very little median, or “green” space.

Here’s a detailed article from Boulder County Home and Garden.

Often a tiny house sitting on a large lot ISN’T in the best condition, and offers small and cramped living, (when families demand cavernous spaces).  In that case I certainly feel there’s nothing wrong with constructing an appropriately sized house in relation to the scale of the others.  However what I see every morning are large ranch homes in perfect condition simply leveled into pile of rubble.   What calls for thought is the concept that our quest for huge interior living spaces has a higher value and priority on the actual community in which they stand.