A Wardman-built rowhome is one of the most valuable rowhomes built. A Wardman is more than a remarkable design; these rowhomes used solid building materials and have abundant interior space. Photo credit: dc.urbanturf.com
The Historical Significance of Harry Wardman and His Creations
Harry Wardman was a real estate developer who built hundreds of rowhomes in DC before they were called rowhomes. Real estate agents often use the Wardman rowhome as a value comparison because of how well-built the original Wardman rowhomes were. After he died in 1938, developers have copied his style when building new “Wardman-style” rowhomes.
Wardman collaborated with architect Nicholas Grimm around the turn of the century to develop his first rowhouse set on Longfellow Street, NW, in 1907. The success of these homes led to a project to build hundreds of Columbia Heights “front-porch” rowhomes.
The front porch and single dormer on the roof of these rowhomes became a Wardman signature stamp. However, his success led many developers and builders to copy this and many of his other styles. Therefore, there are many front-porch style rowhomes in DC with roof dormers.
How Do I Know If I Have an Authentic Wardman?
Developers, builders, and architects mimicked his style all over Washington, DC; therefore, it can be challenging to detect a genuine Wardman without doing some research.
Typically, Wardman built rowhomes in:
- Bloomingdale
- Brightwood
- Capitol Hill
- Columbia Heights
- Eckington
- Woodley Park
There are a few places you can find information about Wardman Rowhomes in DC, such as WardmansWashington.com, which is “Celebrating the Life and Buildings of Wardman,” and has an extensive database of Wardman projects; and the DCPL Wardman YouTube video, which is fabulously informative.
Also, the DC Public Library’s Washingtoniana Collection and an online database of DC building permits from HistoryQuestDC. This database starts with a map, so homes are much easier to find if you know the address.
The Reach of Successive Projects
Although Wardman started in Columbia Heights with rowhouses and the architect Grimm, his enthusiasm for building saw him, and several other architects develop hundreds of projects around the city.
From the thousands of rowhouses in Northwest DC, his influence grew to the “row house flat,” which didn’t fare as well but is still evident around the city. In the 20s, he developed an area known as Fort Stevens Ridge in Brightwood. He built many detached and semi-detached single-family homes there with a covered porch.
You can find many of the multi-family homes he built throughout the city, including two fabulous examples: the architect Albert Beers designed The Dresden, a Georgian-revival, and the Northumberland, a Wardman and Beers Beaux-Arts treasure close to Meridian Hill Park. The Northumberland is now known as one of the city’s "Best Addresses."
Two of Wardman’s grandest endeavors were The Hay-Adams, and what is now the Marriott Wardman Park. The Obama family stayed at the Hay-Adams before his inauguration. Likewise, the Marriott Wardman is a massive structure with more than 1,300 rooms on Woodley Road.
Final Thoughts
Although you won’t find a covered front porch or single roof-dormer on every Wardman rowhome, some rowhouses around the DC area are copies of Wardman’s design because of the “value” associated with a Wardman rowhome.
Renaissance Development specializes in historic preservation, helping homeowners in the Washington DC area to maintain, renovate and restore the exteriors of old brick homes to their original beauty and significance. Contact us with questions regarding any home projects or goals you may have.
