Brian – here are some examples of rowhouses in San Diego

University City

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100037417-4424_Via_Amable_San_Diego_CA_92122

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100050750-4409_Via_Sepulveda_1_San_Diego_CA_92122

Mission Hills

http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100032012-109_W_Montecito_Way_San_Diego_CA_92103

Hillcrest
http://www.sdlookup.com/MLS-100009607-2162_Sixth,_6th_Ave_San_Diego_CA_92101

There are more examples around town…

And a quibble… The houses you describe as “functionally obsolescent” others look at as charming. Not everyone likes modern/new construction. Tastes vary. People’s lifestyles vary. That’s what makes the world interesting.