"Once a historic building's gone, it's gone forever, " says Clementine Cecil, director of lobby group Save Britain's Heritage, echoing a cry heard throughout Europe from campaigners unwilling to compromise on architectural history.

WSJ: A Modern Plan for Historic London Market

Now, with Hurricane Irene threatening to whip through on Sunday, a collective cry can be heard here: Please, not again.

WSJ: Springfield, Mass., Faces Hurricane After Tornado