- Built
- c. 1807
- Style
- Federal Federal
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.47 ↗
- Formerly
- 224 High Street
History
This house is a fine example of the Federal period "Square houses" built along High Street during the early years of the nineteenth century. The house is three stories in height with smaller square windows in the third story and a hipped roof. Each of these features is characteristic of the Federal period.
The cornice is simple as are the window surrounds. One exceptional feature is the entrance portico which dates from the original construction date of the house. The doorway itself is arched and has a semi-circular fanlight. The portico is pedimented, detailed with modillions and is supported by the Doric Roman order.
This house was built by Enoch Toppan between 1804 and 1807. Toppan rented the house out until 1837 when it was purchased by William Ashby. Ashby's profession is not registered in the city directories of the time but it is reasonable to assume that he was in business and quite prosperous. He is registered as a contributor to several charitable societies including the Newburyport Howard Benevolent Society. Ashby also contributed to the fund to purchase the Tracy house on State Street to house the Newburyport Public Library.
William Ashby lived in this house until his death in 1881. His estate held the property for several years after his death. In 1905 James Whitney purchased the property and owned it for several decades.
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 53-73 · 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. 1807, 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 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS), NWB.47
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 6 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)