- Built
- c. 1825
- Style
- Federal Federal
- Neighborhood
- South End District
- MACRIS
- NWB.103 ↗
History
This building is a fine example of a mercantile building built in the first quarter of the 19th century. Although this building has features of the Federal style, the square granite lintels indicate it was built during a transitional period. Federal buildings generally have splayed lintels. This building appears utilitarian and probably housed both mercantile and residential interests.
The earliest owners of this house have yet to be documented, but could very well have been members of the Johnson family. This family was heavily involved in shipbuilding and trade in this area of Newburyport’s waterfront. William Pierce Johnson built Johnson’s Wharf at the foot of Ship Street and several stores and warehouses. He lived in the two-story brick mansion at 13 Federal Street.
In 1851, this building was the home of Captain Philip Johnson. Philip was also prominent in the community, contributing $50 to a fund for injured firemen. He was an original incorporator of the Newburyport Insurance Company in 1836. In 1852, he served as an alderman from Ward Two. Johnson also served on the building committee for a new Town Hall, the present City Hall, in 1851.
Before 1872, this property was conveyed to Thomas Glynn. Glynn was a grocer. He probably had both his business and residence in this building. He owned the property for several decades.
In 1899, this property, described as “store and tenements,” was sold by Charles Stockman to Harriet Leavitt.
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 16-61 · 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. 1825, 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
2 views · Biff Bouse
From the archive
5 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.103