609-637 were all built for $45,000, or $3,000 each. H.R. Howerstein, owner and builder, got his permit on June 21, 1919. W.E. Howser was the architect. He also built the 16 on the even side for $48,000.

According to zillow.com the current value of 639 Princeton Place is $445,000.

637 Princeton Place Northwest, Washington, DC
Public Facts:

* Single family
* 4 beds
* 3.0 bath
* 1,928 sqft
* Lot 1,844 sqft
* Built in 1920

You got that right, Brent. My parents' first home, a new rowhouse in the Sunset District of San Francisco, cost $5,000 in about 1939. Last I heard that same house would cost close to $400,000!

Not to mention that you could very well pay as much for one house as the original builder spent to build the whole street.

Could be from a current brochure!! Very contemporary.

[Nowadays you'd most likely see brick on the front and vinyl siding left, right and rear. - Dave]

I would like to thank Stanton Square for the articles and pictures he provides to add to our knowledge of places like this.

Herman R. Howenstein was another active builder in early 20th century Washington. According to his brief bio at the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, he was also the builder and owner of the Potomac Park Apartments.

With plans completed for the erection of 135 new homes of various types in the northwest section at a cost of nearly $500,000, the firm of H.R. Howenstein Company have undertaken on of the largest building enterprises of the year. The firm now has almost completed the 50 homes which have been under construction several months.

Preliminary to the construction work was the purchase last week by this firm from the Kennedy Brothers, Inc., of all the vacant ground fronting on five squares between Park place, Warder street, Georgia avenue, Otis, Princeton, Quebec streets and Rock Creek Church road. The tract comprises 135 building lots.

The new homes to be erected on this tract will be of five different types and of popular colonial design. A new idea will be followed in building a fireproof garage under each rear porch, with heat and light from the house. The homes will be placed on the market as rapidly as they are completed.

Washington Post, Feb 29, 1920: Advertisement

609 to 637 Princeton street N.W.
Open and Lighted Until 8 o'Clock P.M. Daily
A Large, Light Fire-Proof Garage goes with each house.
Take Ninth Street Car to Quebec Street and Walk One Square East, or Phone Us for Auto.
H.R. Howenstein Co.
1314 F St. N.W. - 7th and H Sts. N.E.

Still there (click image to enlarge):