- Built
- c. 1847
- Style
- Greek Revival Greek Revival
- Neighborhood
- Merrimack Shipbuilding District
- MACRIS
- NWB.243 ↗
History
This two-story dwelling, with a pitched roof and a three-bay facade, is typical of the Greek Revival vernacular architecture built in Newburyport during the mid-19th century.
The influence of the Greek style is seen in the building’s orientation, with the gable of the pitched roof facing the street, reminiscent of a Greek pediment. The cornerboards and bold cornice fascia are also inspired by Greek design, as is the front entrance. The door is flanked by pilasters that support a bold entablature.
On October 15, 1847, this parcel of land was purchased from Alfred Pearson by John W. S. Colby. This house was probably built shortly thereafter.
John W. S. Colby was a shipbuilder in partnership with Enoch P. Lunt under the firm name of Colby and Lunt. They worked in a shipyard at the foot of Ashland Street. They were in business between 1865 and 1880. Between 1865 and 1868, they launched nine schooners. Later, they built scows for the Haverhill Tow Boat Company. When the business closed, they had built a total tonnage of 3,707.
Before 1912, Henry P. and Annie M. Brown acquired this house. In that year, they sold the property to Mary A. Pillsbury.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 60-30 · Zone R2
Zoning Board of Appeals decides
Listed as contributing in 1984, so removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, counted cumulatively since 2014 and including walls enclosed by an addition or openings filled in, needs a DCOD special permit; the Board may grant one only if the building retains no substantial remaining market value or reasonable use. The Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing siding, or windows and doors in their openings, does not count.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1847, 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. In the DCOD the wall test goes to the Zoning Board instead; the Commission keeps roofline, roof pitch and dormer work. 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 →
From the archive
6 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.243