- Built
- c. 1843
- Style
- Greek Revival Greek Revival
- Neighborhood
- Merrimack Shipbuilding District
- MACRIS
- NWB.286 ↗
History
This house is a good example of the Greek Revival style as it was interpreted by local craftsmen in Newburyport during the mid-nineteenth century. The cornerboards and cornice have the flavor of the Greek Revival but are not as heavy as some examples.
The front door has been altered, but the side door has the original entablature and applied pilasters. The cornice is continuous, forming a pediment. However, the orientation of this feature is not facing the street, as is the case with many others.
This house was built by Capt. Abram Somerby. Little is known about him, except for his title, which would lead one to believe that he was involved in shipping in Newburyport. In 1872, the house was owned by Dr. William Young. The house was used as a single-family residence until 1976, when it was renovated to house four apartments.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 57-36-A/B · Zone R2
Zoning Board of Appeals may decide
In the DCOD. Whether removing more than 25% of the exterior walls needs a DCOD special permit depends on the building’s status in the 1984 National Register nomination, which this site has not matched for this lot yet; the Office of Planning and Development keeps the list.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1843, so 75 or more years old: removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, changing the roofline (pitch, towers, cupolas, anything projecting above the roof), moving it, or adding a dormer that misses the setback and pitch rules is "demolition" under the demolition delay ordinance. The Commission holds a hearing within 30 days and may impose a delay of up to 18 months. Parts of the building documented as younger than 75 years are excluded on a written determination by the Zoning Administrator.
Code of Ordinances ch. 5 art. X, §§5-307–5-308 (June 2026) ↗
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 built 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.286