- Built
- c. 1870
- Style
- Federal Federal
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.31 ↗
History
This house is a fine example of the “Square houses” built along High Street by Newburyport’s wealthy mercantile class in the early years of the nineteenth century. The house is typically Federal, three stories tall, with a hipped roof and small square windows on the third floor.
The cornice and window lintels are simple yet in keeping with the style. The doorway and entrance portico are exceptional. The door is flanked by fluted Doric pilasters and is surmounted by a semi-circular fanlight with delicate tracery. The portico itself is pedimented and is supported by the Doric order.
This house was built by Capt. Isaac Adams shortly after reacquired the property in 1807 and 1808. Adams had extensive mercantile interests, as did so many of the people on High Street. In 1821, Adams had the Schooner Hayteir built for him in the yards of the Woodwell family. The cost of the vessel was $456.00. He also owned the Schooner “Charles Sydney,” built in 1818, and was part-owner of the Schooner “Dennis,” built in 1821, and the Brig “Dove,” built in 1800. Adams served both as selectman in the town of Newburyport and as a representative to the Massachusetts legislature.
Captain Adams owned this house until 1828, when it was purchased by Richard W. Drown. Drown was a clockmaker who later built the house at 146 High Street.
Between 1929 and 1968, the house was owned by Dr. Roland Toppan and later by his widow, Gertrude. After Mrs. Toppan died, the house was divided into several apartments.
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 46-7 · Zone R3
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. 1870, 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 →
More built 1860–1900
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.31