History
This house is an elegant example of the Federal style, which proliferated in Newburyport at the turn of the 19th century. The three-story clapboarded building with a hip roof has a simple dentil cornice.
The door and window lintels are also in keeping with the proportions of the style introduced in England by the Brothers Adam. As is typical of Newburyport, this house is a straightforward interpretation of the style. The applied pilasters flanking the doorway convey the style's spirit. However, the doorway lacks the fanlight so characteristic of homes built during this period.
Although the owner of the original builder of 10 Harris St. is unknown, it would be safe to assume that it was constructed by one of Newburyport’s merchants shortly after 1796. It was at that time that Harris Street was laid out and accepted by the town selectmen.
In 1851, Giles P. Stone lived in this house, then No. 6 Harris St. Stone was a cashier with the Merchants National Bank in Newburyport. Mr. Stone lived in the house until his death. His wife continued to live in the house well into the 1880s.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Downtown Overlay District (DOD) · Parcel 1-1 · Zone B2
Planning Board decides
Downtown, new construction, alteration or demolition of a historic building (individually listed or contributing in 1984) needs a DOD special permit, judged against the Secretary of the Interior's Standards; the Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing windows, doors, signs, awnings or fences is reviewed by the Planning Office at staff level, with a window inventory; a new opening in a wall needs the Board. The demolition delay ordinance does not apply downtown except to work the Zoning Administrator excludes from DOD review.
Zoning Administrator first stop
Every project starts with a zoning determination from the Zoning Administrator, which says which of these reviews apply and whether the work also needs zoning relief (a special permit for a non-conformity, or a variance). Fees, forms and filing deadlines are on the City’s site.
Not legal advice, not an official City publication, and not the position of the Historical Commission or any board. Says what the ordinances say as of September 30, 2026; the Zoning Administrator decides what applies. Boundaries: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission / City of Newburyport GIS (MIMAP); 1984 status from the National Register nomination's district data sheets. City's quick guide to the DCOD and demolition delay ↗ · Do I need approval? Project by project →
From the archive
3 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.339