- Built
- c. 1845
- Style
- Greek Revival Greek Revival
- MACRIS
- NWB.495 ↗
History
This house is a fine example of the Greek Revival style as interpreted in a small domestic structure. The style is evident in the placement of the two-and-a-half-story house, with the gable facing the street. The continuous cornice creates the effect of a pediment on the street facade.
The flush boards on the building’s facade help to make the smooth surface characteristic of the Greek style. The fluted pilasters that serve as cornerboards on the building’s facade are more elaborate than those usually seen on modest structures in the Greek Revival style.
This house was probably built by George Fitz, owner of the house at 18 Washington Street. Fitz was a cooper with a business on Brown’s Wharf. Later, he moved his company to the rear of 58 Merrimac Street. Whether Fitz actually lived in this house or built it for a relative is not known. George Fitz owned an interest in a small boat named the Essex, which carried passengers during the summer months to Plum Island and Haverhill. The ship was propelled by horsepower and ran on the river for several seasons.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Downtown Overlay District (DOD) · Parcel 47-72 · Zone B3
Planning Board decides
Downtown, new construction, alteration or demolition of a historic building (individually listed or contributing in 1984) needs a DOD special permit, judged against the Secretary of the Interior's Standards; the Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing windows, doors, signs, awnings or fences is reviewed by the Planning Office at staff level, with a window inventory; a new opening in a wall needs the Board. The demolition delay ordinance does not apply downtown except to work the Zoning Administrator excludes from DOD review.
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 photos
1 view · Biff Bouse
More built 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.495