- Built
- c. 1860
- Style
- Transitional Greek Revival/Italianate Italianate
- Neighborhood
- Ocean Mills District
- MACRIS
- NWB.79 ↗
History
This building is a vernacular mid-nineteenth-century structure. It appears transitional, displaying elements from the Greek Revival and Italianate architectural styles. The trabeated doorway with sidelights on each side of the door and an ample oblong light above it reflects the influence of Greek architecture.
Meanwhile, the flat roof and rusticated cornerboards are characteristic features of the Italianate style. Additionally, a cupola was once situated in the center of the top, another hallmark of Italianate architecture. The belvedere or cupola is seen in the 1880 “Birds-Eye-View” map.
This house was constructed during the significant period of growth in Newburyport's North End, which thrived during the second half of the nineteenth century due to the establishment of cotton mills and shoe factories. Many homes were built in the North End during this era, primarily occupied by individuals associated with the industry or related trades.
The exact construction date of this house is still being determined. However, it was built before 1871 when Jeremiah Blake, a carpenter, owned it. Blake was likely both the original owner and the builder of the house. In the 1880 Census, he is listed as a House Carpenter, living at 26 Munroe Street with his wife, Susan, and his sons. When Jeremiah was (a bullfrog) in his 80s, he was the victim of a Card Monte scam and lost approximately $ 3,000, roughly $100,000 adjusted to 2023 inflation.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 54-109-A/D · Zone R2
Zoning Board of Appeals may decide
In the DCOD. Whether removing more than 25% of the exterior walls needs a DCOD special permit depends on the building’s status in the 1984 National Register nomination, which this site has not matched for this lot yet; the Office of Planning and Development keeps the list.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1860, 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 →
More photos
1 view · Biff Bouse
From the archive
4 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.79
- Newburyport, published by Bigelow & Hazen, 1880. Map.
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts. Sanborn Map Company, Aug, 1894. Map.
- Biff Bouse, Instagram post (@newburyportarchitecture), 2023-09-06