‘Row house’ or ‘rowhouse’? Philly’s debate over a space

Is it "row house" or "rowhouse"? Why the question of a single space is so contentious, so steeped in Philly history, and so wrapped up in our city's identity.

Listen 12:41
Rowhouses line North 29th Street in Philadelphia

Rowhouses on North 29th Street in Philadelphia. (Jonathan Wilson/WHYY)

Listen to The Why wherever you get your podcasts:
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | TuneIn


Ryan Briggs, investigative reporter for WHYY’s PlanPhilly, recently got pulled into a mystery a little less hard-hitting than usual: is Philadelphia’s iconic home called a “row house” or a “rowhouse”? He explains why the question of a single space is so contentious, so steeped in Philadelphia history, and so wrapped up in our city’s identity.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal