- Built
- c. 1865
- Style
- Italianate Italianate
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.2874 ↗
- First owner
- Albert Russell
History
A substantial brick Italianate residence distinguished by its symmetrical façade, pronounced massing, and high stylistic integrity.
The two-story structure is finished in painted brick and capped by a low hipped roof with broad overhanging eaves. Deep, paired brackets and a heavily molded cornice reinforce the Italianate character. The front elevation is organized around a prominent, projecting central pavilion that rises above the main roofline and contains an ornate arched window assembly at the attic level.
The land was owned by Ralph Huse and already had an early-period home on it. Enoch Williams sold the property to Albert Russell in 1860, so Russell was most likely the owner when this house was built. In 1945, John J. Creeden, George E. Twomey, and Harry M. Stevens purchased it; a few years later George and his wife Anna were the sole owners. George Twomey was the proprietor of George E. Twomey Funeral Service and served as a State Representative from 1964 until 1972. The building continues to operate as the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 37-7 · Zone HSRB
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. 1865, 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 photos
1 view · Biff Bouse
Details
1 close-up
More built 1860–1900
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.2874