- Built
- c. 1870
- Style
- Greek Revival Greek Revival
- MACRIS
- NWB.410 ↗
- Formerly
- 22 Broad Street
History
This house, built between 1851 and 1872, features elements of the Greek Revival and later Victorian styles. The doorway, with sidelights and an oblong light above, is typical of Greek Revival in form. The square granite lintels are also characteristic of the style.
The house has a brick cornice that resembles a dentil molding but has several layers, indicative of a later style. The house is relatively unique in Newburyport for being brick. In contrast, most of the homes built in the mid-nineteenth century were of wood. The use of granite elements in the building’s trim suggests the polychromy of the Victorian styles. The building’s heavy proportions are also typical of the mid-nineteenth century.
This house was built by Joseph H. Currier between 1851 and 1872. He also built the house on the lot directly behind Tyng Street. The second home might have been for his family or as a speculative investment. Currier was a mason. Like many people of the North End, he was active in the community. In 1872, he was a city alderman. He was also a founder and trustee of the Newburyport Sabbath School and Tract Society.
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 57-2 · 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. 1870, 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
3 views · Biff Bouse
From the archive
2 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1860–1900
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.410
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 7 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)