Fire Location: 1300 Block of West Louden St
Smoke showing from the 2nd floor of a 2 story row frame
Row houses originated in the Low Countries of Northern Europe. English aristocrats hiding there during the civil turmoil of the 1600's brought the design back to Britain. From there the concept found its' way to the Colonies- especially Philadelphia and Baltimore.
The design allows variation in size (and family wealth), construction material, and the interior layout, Together a row projects grandeur of size to the street while minimizing overcrowding. Workers could pool their incomes to invest with neighborhood savings-and-loan associations.
70% of the housing in Philadelphia is a row home.
