- Built
- c. 1845
- Style
- Greek Revival Greek Revival
- Neighborhood
- James Steam Mill District
- MACRIS
- NWB.160 ↗
- Formerly
- 137–143 Water Street
History
This structure is typical of the multiple family dwelling built in the industrialized neighborhoods in Newburyport during the mid-nineteenth century. Usually built on speculation, these Greek Revival row houses answered the need for increased housing near the textile mills.
This structure, like many others, is simple architectural detail. The influence of the Greek Revival style is seen in the building’s bold cornice and corner boards, as well as in the front entrance to each of the swelling units. The doors are flanked by pilasters that support a very heavy entablature above. There is a similar row at 3-9 Charles Street.
This multiple family residence was built about 1845 when numerous such buildings were built on speculation to provide housing adjacent to growing industrial complexes. The textile industry, and later the shoe industry, provided a boom to Newburyport’s economy after the decline of mercantile interests. Greek Revival row housing is seen in many of Newburyport’s neighborhoods. It provided simple but comfortable homes for those associated with the mills and for those providing services to these densely populated areas.
In 1851, this building was owned by four individuals. They include Harvey Kimball and Edward Kimball, partners in a lumber business on House Wharf. Captain Samuel Brown owned another of the dwelling units.
In 1872 Harvey Kimball was still in residence here. Charles F.S. Brown also lived here. He had a variety store at 119 Water Street. Mrs. Thomas H. Phillips and Albert W. Greenleaf were the owners of the remaining units Greeley was the city treasurer and a bookkeeper at the Merchant’s National Bank.
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 23-16 · Zone WMD
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. 1845, 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 photos
1 view · Biff Bouse
From the archive
3 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.160
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 27 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)