- Built
- c. 1870
- Style
- High Victorian Gothic Gothic Revival
- MACRIS
- NWB.412 ↗
History
This house is a vernacular example of the High Victorian Gothic style. The house has tall proportions and a variety of colors and textures that are characteristic of the style. Notable architectural features include the elaborate cornice, echoed by the detail over the doorway, and the brick window lintels.
The difference in color between the building’s trim and wall surfaces is also characteristic of the Victorian Gothic, known for its polychromy. The dormer on the roof is a later addition.
George C. Stile probably built this house around 1872. He was an overseer for the Ocean Steam Mills, which manufactured cotton cloth. The house is indicative of the type of dwelling nearby built for the mills’ management.
In 1884, George Pierce owned the house. Like many of his neighbors, Pierce was involved in the shipping industry. He was a part-owner of the ships Nearchus (1872) and Laurence Brown (1855). Since the 1920s, Marion Kalashian has owned the house.
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 57-57 · 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
5 views · Biff Bouse
From the archive
1 item · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1860–1900
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.412