Thanks for posting this BA. I have to admit - living here in the center of the US we don't get much direct news or information from that area. I recall the earthquake - but didn't realize the extent of the permanent damage.
It was nice to see that some old grand buildings were going to be restored and for others, at least, their facades were to be retained with a new building behind them.
I was impressed by the magnitude of the buildings that had to be demolished but I guess that is consistent with our general approach to seismic design - let the building bend, perhaps let it be permanently damaged beyond repair, but keep it from collapsing and hurting people.
