- Built
- c. 1795
- Style
- Late Georgian Georgian
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.51 ↗
- Formerly
- 252 High Street
History
This house is an excellent example of a two-story gambrel-roof dwelling built in Newburyport during the second half of the eighteenth century. Although the gambrel roof had declined in popularity in most areas by the late 18th century, this form persisted in Newburyport until the turn of the 19th century.
The then-prevailing Federal influence is evident in the simple Federal doorway. The entrance is pedimented and has a semi-circular fanlight with simple tracery. The pediment is supported by Doric pilasters that flank the door itself.
Although Samuel Coker purchased the land on which this house stands in 1757, his son Thomas, a prominent local builder, probably built it around 1795. Thomas Coker lived in the house in 1796.
Thomas Coker owned the house until 1805, when it was sold to Amos Atkinson. Atkinson served under Moser’s Little in the Revolutionary War battles of Long Island and Harlem Heights. In 1809, Atkinson served on a committee to erect a townhouse at the corner of State and Essex Streets. Atkinson was part-owner of the Schooner Nancy, built in 1785, and the sole owner of the Ship Massachusetts, built in 1805.
Flavius Emery purchased the house in 1827. Emery, his heirs, and his family owned it until 1918, when it was given to St. Paul’s Church to be used as its rectory.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 56-34-A · 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. 1795, 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
3 views · Biff Bouse
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.51
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 4 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)