The demolition of George Gershwin’s home triggered the design review ordinance

Evidence

The crescendo of residents’ concerns about charm rose on the 2005 purchase of a home on North Roxbury Drive once owned by George Gershwin. The city gave builder Hamid Omrani permission to demolish and rebuild the property for an Iranian American client. Angry letters to the editor, testimonials at city council meetings, and gossip ensued. — Neda Maghbouleh, The Limits of Whiteness, 137

Categorization

• CANDY: The irony of tearing down George Gershwin’s home to enforce ‘charm’ is a great dinner-party fact.