New Orleans has the highest concentration of historic architecture per capita in the nation: 33, 000 buildings in 20 historic districts.

NPR: Preserving New Orleans' Architectural Heritage

Mr. Tierney said he's met with opponents and is open to considering their concerns but not slowing the pace of creating historic districts in the city.

WSJ: Mayor of Preservation

"They were designated primarily for their cultural and social history, " said Tara Kelly, executive director of the Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts.

WSJ: New Spat Over Upper East Side Rent

"We are always concerned when older and more or less intact buildings are getting torn down to be replaced with something new on a block that has a lot of character, " said Tara Kelly, the executive director of Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts.

WSJ: Side by Side Homes on Upper East Side Go on Market Together for $11.95 Million

Likewise, a historic number of women and racial minorities were elected to Congress from similarly diverse and largely Democratic states and districts.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS