Why have a Historic Preservation culture?

This is an excellent example of what can happen without a spirited Historic Preservation culture to protect alley stables and other small alley buildings.

This "coach house" was for sale in Toronto 4 years ago. 

Detached 2 Storey (sic) 1 Bdr Brick Coach-House In Alley Off Ossington & Bloor St in Toronto!

Clear Span Of 1000 Sq Ft Per Floor, Zoned For Custom Workshop With 3 Phase 220, Concrete Floor On Main Floor. 10 Ft Ceilings And Drive In Door. 

2nd Floor Open Space With 11 Ft Ceiling At Peak. R30 Insulation In Ceiling And R20 In Walls. 

Extras: Two Enviro (Electric) Toilets, 3 Ton A/C ,Gas Furnace. Wood Stove, 100 Amp, 600 Volt 3 Phase 220 Smoke Fire, Motion Detectors. 

The years of unconstrained modifications have not been kind to this building. Its past roots as a stable are almost impossible to discern - even to a trained eye. In contrast to Washington D.C., alley stables in Toronto are extremely rare. This one has barely survived and is incredibly badly scarred.