Summer Street · No. 17 · NWB.478
17 Summer Street
- Built
- c. 1845
- Style
- Early Gothic Revival/Greek Revival Gothic Revival
- MACRIS
- NWB.478 ↗
- Formerly
- 13 Summer Street
History
This one-and-a-half-story house with a pitched roof and a symmetrical five-bay façade is of interest because its design was influenced by both the early Gothic Revival and the prevailing Greek Revival style. Greek Revival elements include the heavy, classically-inspired cornice moulding and the bold cornerboards. The Gothic influence is evident in the front entrance and fenestration. Both have simple pointed arches.
The two roof dormers were probably added during the late nineteenth century and are Victorian in detail. There are fewer than a dozen residences in Newburyport with Gothic Revival details.
It is quite possible that William J. Badger, the owner of this house in 1851, was the original proprietor of the building. Badger was listed as a stage agent in the 1851 City Directory.
Before 1871, this house was acquired by Tristram C. Talbot. Talbot was a blacksmith and probably had his shop adjacent to his home.
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 47-66 · Zone B3
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 built 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.478
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 12 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)