History
This building is simple yet exhibits several features of the early nineteenth-century Federal style. The two-story brick building with a pitched roof was probably built for commercial purposes. The large granite lintel over the shop front may be an original feature. The semicircular window in the gable of the roof is a noteworthy Federal feature, although it has been altered.
The earliest documented owner of this building is Jacob A. Balch, who owned the property in 1851. Balch was a grocer. In the City Directory for 1851, his store is listed at 32 Washington Street. It is quite possible that he also had a store or warehouse in this building.
Before 1872, Dudley T. Batchelder acquired this building. Batchelder was a boot and shoe dealer. His business was located at 140 Merrimac Street.
On the 1914 Sanborn Map, the building is listed as a vacant store.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 50-57-B/C · Zone WMD
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. 1810, 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 →
From the archive
6 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.454