Amid the relentless wave of rapid urban expansion, historic buildings are often replaced by modern high-rises, while others argue for preserving these old neighborhoods to safeguard cultural identity. When cities must provide housing and infrastructure for their growing populations, should the demolition of historic structures be seen as a necessary price of progress, or does this practice irreversibly erode a city's unique sense of identity? Please articulate your stance, providing reasons and concrete examples to support your viewpoint.