- Built
- c. 1805
- Style
- Federal Federal
- Neighborhood
- Merrimack Shipbuilding District
- MACRIS
- NWB.246 ↗
History
This two story home with pitched roof and lean-to at rear is an excellent example of early domestic architecture. This house may have had a symmetrical five bay facade when originally built. Another bay and the lean-to were added at a later date. The front entrance is Federal in style with a semi-circular fanlight. The door is flanked by pilasters supporting a pediment above.
The first documented owner of this home was Amos Coffin, Jr., who was a shipwright. In 1872 the property was owned by J.P.H. McQuillan. McQuillan is listed as a shipbuilder in the city directory for the year 1871. He was part of the firm “Doyle and McQuillan” for a time. This firm planked the schooner, “Maggie Andrews,” built by George E. Currier in 1889. In 1889, J.P.H. McQuillan took fourteen men to Boxford to “get out frames” for a schooner to be built by George E. Currier in his yard at the foot of Ashland Street.
This house is clearly an integral part of the shipbuilding district along the banks of the Merrimack River.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Outside the historic district and the two overlays · Parcel 68-44 · Zone R2B
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1805, 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 →
From the archive
3 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS), NWB.246