- Built
- 1765 (documented)
- Style
- Georgian Georgian
- Neighborhood
- Merrimack Shipbuilding District
- MACRIS
- NWB.257 ↗
- Formerly
- 224 Merrimac Street
History
This tow story house with pitched roof and symmetrical five bay facade is typical of the vernacular Georgian homes built in Newburyport during the eighteenth century. The architectural details of this house are simple yet characteristic of the style. The doorways have been altered and presently exhibit the features of the Greek Revival style popular during the mid-nineteenth century.
The original owner of this home, according to recent research verified by the Newburyport Preservation Trust, was Elijah Pilsbury (1739-1830). Elijah was a shipwright, who was married to Anna Bartlett (1749-1798).
By 1851, Benjamin Choate was the proprietor of this home. Choate was a ship carpenter who worked in the shipyards of the North End. Prior to 1872 this house was sold to William H. Morss. Morss was also involved in Newburyport’s shipbuilding trade. He was a ship joiner.
This house served as a dwelling until 1940 when Fred H. Morse sold it to the Towle Manufacturing Company, where it housed the company’s showroom and gift shop, through the late 20th century. It has, more recently, been converted into a multiple family dwelling.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Parcel 58-9-1/3 · Zone I2
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built 1765, 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) ↗
Holder of the preservation restriction consents
The state inventory records a preservation restriction on this building. Whatever the recorded restriction covers, exterior and sometimes interior and site, needs the holder’s consent, separately from every other review. The City lists the restrictions it holds and links each document.
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
2 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built Before 1775
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.257
- McIntyre, H. (Henry). "Plan of Newburyport Mass. from an actual survey." Map. 1851.
- Biff Bouse, Instagram post (@newburyportarchitecture), 2021-07-11
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 7 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)