Pardon My Reach

A Rowhouse Spotter’s Guide

From left to right:

Federal (1800–1835)
Clean and simple. Two stories, sometimes three, with dormer windows in attic. Unornamented stone windowsills and lintels.

Greek Revival (1830–1850)
Often has a brownstone base and brick upper façade. Entryway has pilasters and slim windows flanking the door and simple lintels above.

Italianate (1840–1870)
Elaborate projecting ornament. Façade is usually brownstone. High stoop; round-headed double doors. Windows and doors often flanked with carved scroll- or acanthus-leaf-shaped brackets.

Queen Anne (1870–1890)
Lots of materials, colors, and especially textures. Asymmetrical façade, typically with bay windows; terra-cotta and wrought-iron details; complex dormers and chimneys. Right-angle or straight high stoop.

Beaux-Arts (1890–1920)
Formal and classical. Often white limestone or marble. No stoop to speak of; often has wrought-iron balconies.