- Built
- c. 1810
- Style
- Italianate Italianate
- MACRIS
- NWB.492 ↗
History
This three-story Federal brick house with a hipped roof was substantially remodeled during the mid-nineteenth century. Although the house's overall form is Federal, the architectural details are clearly later. These include the window lintels and cornice moulding, both inspired by the Italianate style. The front entrance porch was also added at that time. It has features of both the Italianate and Greek Revival styles.
In 1851, John Wood owned this house. Wood had a grain business, John Wood and Son, at 45 Water Street. Before 1872, the property was sold to Albert Currier.
Albert Currier was very prominent in the City of Newburyport. He was a mason and contractor. He built both the Ocean and the Global Steam Mills in the 1840s. He worked on numerous other projects in the city, including the Simpson annex of the Newburyport Public Library and multiple brick dwellings. Currier also invested in textiles in the town and served several terms as mayor.
The heirs of Albert Currier’s will sold the house in 1913.
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 47-74 · Zone B3
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 →
More photos
1 view · Biff Bouse
Details
1 close-up
From the archive
8 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.492