Way off home base

There is a bumper sticker that I frequently see around town that says "Gut fish, not houses". It refers to the on going massacre that is occurring in the historic district of my town, Charleston, SC. For some reason, people, and I know I am generalizing here, with newer money feel the need to absolutely rip the soul out of any house that has one; and replace it with marble, stainless steel and a hole above every fireplace which is then filled with a flush mount home theater. As an interior designer by trade I understand wanting to make things more beautiful or comfortable, but at the risk of erasing history, character, individuality?