Townhouse History
The first widespread construction of high density in-city housing, row houses became prominent on the east coast in the early 19th century and soon spread throughout major cities. Designed to provide housing for the massive labor force of the Industrial Revolution, these homes took advantage of efficiently maximized living space.
Although similar in approach to living space, a ‘townhouse’ was a very different home. Townhouses were larger and quite elegant. Primarily used as second homes, they provided their owners a city residence in which to stay and entertain during the social season, which usually ran from Labor Day to just before Christmas. The custom started in London and as wealth increased in the colonies, the townhouse soon followed. During the remainder of the year, those wealthy enough to afford a townhouse spent their time at country estates, or traveling the world.
Not surprisingly, current builders have embraced the ‘townhouse’ concept. These modern day townhouses are becoming more and more prevalent as people – no longer feeling consigned to the suburbs - are choosing to live in key urban areas with their desirable, unique neighborhoods. Townhouses are making this choice possible, by providing a more affordable and comfortable in-city housing option. With the feel of a single family home minus the ongoing maintenance and repair, townhouse popularity is widespread, granting a lifestyle that is embraced by first-time homebuyers and empty nesters alike. |
Built in 1891, Seattle's Victorian Row Apartments.
(Credit: Historic Seattle Architectural Preservation) |
