History should be preserved and therefore any irreplaceable antique should probably be retired from service at some point, in order to help preserve it for generations to come. However history should also be remembered, so I think that recreating authentic replicas is a good thing when used to maintain an ongoing service. Every detail should be kept "alive" by using the exactly same design and materials for all parts. Adding a computer for safety or security might be one of the few justified changes, but not changing the original design with "creature comforts". "Ambience" is important as you say. Hopefully officials userstand this and will strive to rebuild New Orleans and not try to reinvent New Orleans, well, with the exception of the levee system.
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