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Photo: Biff Bouse

Bromfield Street · No. 13 · NWB.1085

13 Bromfield Street

J.B. Lunt House

Built 1860–1900National Register district
Built
c. 1889–1893
Style
Queen Anne Queen Anne
Neighborhood
James Steam Mill District · Joppa District
MACRIS
NWB.1085 ↗
Formerly
9 Bromfield Street

History

No prior research was available on this home. Still, by using the previous address listed in the Sanborn maps and searching the local newspapers, I found that Jere Blanchard Lunt lived in this home, then at 9 Bromfield, and was quite possibly the first owner.

He lived here with his wife, Sarah Davis, and daughter, Elizabeth. Jere and Sarah were married in 1891, and they moved in soon after. J.B. was listed as being in the Real Estate business and as a mason. So, it’s possible he was involved with the construction of this home.

Planning work on this building?

Reviews that may apply

Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 26-56-A/B · Zone R2

  1. 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.

    Zoning Ordinance §XXVIII-D.3 ↗

  2. Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay

    Built c. 1889–1893, 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) ↗

  3. 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.

    City flowchart, June 2026 ↗

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 →

Sources

  1. Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.1085
  2. 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 27 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)