CHICAGO – For years, this city has been comfortable with setting architectural firsts. It was here that the first skyscraper was built and where Frank Lloyd Wright spent his formative years mastering a profession that he went on to turn upside down with an early appreciation for the natural environment.

Faced with ongoing competition from foreclosure sales, U.S. home construction in July dropped to its lowest level since early 1991, the federal government said in a recent report.

San Diego can get a new stadium, library, city hall and filled potholes, maybe even the Olympic Games. Roger Showley explores the issue of turning wishes into reality in next week's “Smokestacks & Geraniums” commentary.