- Built
- c. 1890
- Style
- Greek Revival Greek Revival
- MACRIS
- NWB.405 ↗
- Formerly
- 14–16 Broad Street
History
This is an unusual house, as it is a vernacular example of the Greek Revival style, built at a very late date. It has the characteristic gable facing the street, suggesting a Greek pediment. The pilasters and cornice are very bold, which is typical of the late Greek Revival period. The doorway is trabeated with sidelights and an oblong light over the door. This, too, is a typical Greek Revival feature.
Historical Narrative
This house was probably built as an investment property between 1884 and 1890 by Eben P. Cutter. Cutter lived in the next house, today 20 Broad Street. This was late for 19th-century speculative housing, since the steam mills and many shipyards were closing, both of which had been responsible for the rapid development of the North End at mid-century. Mr. Cutter sold the property to Frank S. Fox in the early years of this century.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 57-5-A · Zone R2
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. 1890, 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 →
More built 1860–1900
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.405
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 7 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)