- Built
- c. 1880
- Style
- Vernacular Vernacular
- MACRIS
- NWB.483 ↗
- Formerly
- 17 Tyng Street
History
This house is a fascinating example of the High Victorian Gothic style as interpreted in the vernacular. The Gothic elements are not striking, but close scrutiny of the building reveals the quatrefoils, patera, and other carvings indicative of this influence. The style is typically polychromatic.
In this vernacular example, this is evident only in the use of brownstone trim for windows and doors. The perpendicular aspect of the Gothic is seen only in the steeper pitch of the roof. The use of brick to achieve a rustication-like treatment in the doorway is also an attempt to create a rich, varied surface. The overall character of the style is one of solid stability. This is evident in the proportions of this building and its elements, as well as in its corbelled brick cornice.
This house was built by Joseph H. Currier between 1872 and 1884. Currier was a mason. Currier lived at 24 Broad Street in a house built before 1872. The house on Tyng Street was built on the lot adjacent to his home on Broad Street. Whether the house at 26 Tyng Street was constructed as speculation or as a dwelling for a member of the Currier family is uncertain. The houses are similar in form, the most notable difference being the greater detail in the ornamentation of the house on Tyng Street.
Joseph H. Currier served as alderman from Ward Six in 1873.
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 57-25 · Zone R2
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. 1880, 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
5 views · Biff Bouse
From the archive
3 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1860–1900
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.483
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 7 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)