"Six houses were constructed c. 1930 on the south
side of Birch Avenue between the intersections of
Bayard Lane and Race Street. These buildings were
called the “Rainbow Houses” because they were
originally painted different colors. The houses are all
twin buildings with an overall T-shape; the shaft of the
“T” faces the road. They were constructed nearly
identical in appearance, but over time small
alterations have added variety. The six houses were
constructed with the entrances located in the void of
the L on the sides, not on the wall surface nearest the
Figure 21. 190-194 Birch Avenue
road. Most have small porches over these entrances.
The houses were constructed with a proximity to use shared drives running between the
buildings. They provided the modern conveniences of their age (electricity, running water, interior
bathrooms) for Princetonians in a time when a feeling prevailed that owners of rental units
neglected timely updates and maintenance, leaving renters in sub-par housing. The Rainbow
Houses are 190-194 Birch, 198-202 Birch, 206-210 Birch, 214-218 Birch, 222-226 Birch, and
230-234 Birch."
This is a quote from the Wise Preservation Planning LLC report. find the full report here