Broad Street · No. 15 · NWB.242

15 Broad Street

Benjamin Cross House

Built 1775–1830National Register district

Built: c. 1796
Style: Federal Federal
Neighborhood: Merrimack Shipbuilding District
MACRIS: NWB.242 ↗

History

This is a vernacular example of the federal style, as it was built in Newburyport at the turn of the 19th century. The simple and delicate proportions of the cornice and cornerboards are indicative of the style, as is the low pitch of the roof and the overall form of the building.

A lean-to has been added to the rear of the house, a relatively unusual feature for this period. The doorway was altered during the Greek Revival period and therefore has the characteristic elements of that style. These include the sidelights and applied pilasters, which flank the door, as well as the wide fascia in the entablature above the doorway.

This house was built in 1796 by Benjamin Cross, the same year Broad Street was made a public highway. In 1803, the house was sold to Parker Roberts. Roberts was a merchant on State Street. His son, Joseph, was the first city alderman from Ward Six in 1851. William Choate, who was a ship carpenter, lived in this house in 1851. In 1866, the house was purchased by Hiram Leach, a ship carpenter, who worked in the shipyards along the banks of the Merrimack River. John T. Stockman owned the house in 1872. He was the proprietor of the Bay State House at 19 Merrimac Street.

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 54-132 · 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.
Zoning Ordinance §XXVIII ↗
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1796, 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.
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 →