So, while we’re doing all this walking, my favorite thing to see is the architecture. As a lover of old houses, I find the rowhouse especially intriguing, partly because of its historical representation and partly because its not a common style here in the Midwest.

When I accompanied my daughter on her housing hunt a few years ago, I had the opportunity to see the interiors of several rowhouses. Like most old houses, they had architectural elements you just don’t find in newly built homes and apartments—parquet floors, beautiful woodwork and bow-front windows. And like many old houses, these particular buildings needed lots of work and money!

According to the National Association to Restore Pride in America’s Capitol (NARPAC), rowhouses were built “en masse during the city’s temporary population explosion prior to World War II.” Also known as brownstones or townhouses (though technically there’s a difference), these multi-story structures were built as a series of side-by-side houses joined by a common wall. They varied in architectural style and prestige according to the neighborhood and era in which they were built.

The demographics of today’s rowhouse dweller has changed from years ago. The rowhouses themselves have also changed. The houses originally were built as single-family units for an average family of father, mother and 3-4 children. Today many of the rowhouses have been converted to condos and apartments and, according to NARPAC, the average occupants are singles, single parents, empty-nesters or elderly.

And so, with May being Historic Preservation Month, it’s important to applaud groups such as NARPAC, Mi Casa and other historic preservation organizations. These organizations recognize the value of places that matter, including rowhouses. They work to preserve their historical integrity and bring urban revitalization to many Washington D.C. neighborhoods.

Kudos, from an appreciative visitor to your town!

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Published by the Minneapolis Institute of Art, this web site showcases the work of architects Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie. It also features the Institutes’ collection of Prairie School furniture and home décor.

If you’re planning to tour the Purcell-Cutts House—a classic example of Prairie Style and designed by William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie in 1913—this web site is great preparatory research. The site’s linear tour offers 360 degree views of each room, together with detailed commentaries. The photos are stunning.

The site also takes you on a personal “walking tour” of notable Prairie School buildings in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Complete with audio narration and printable tour guides, it’s the next best thing to actually walking through the city streets (and considerably warmer at this time of year!)

Check it out—it’s a cool site!

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