- Built
- c. 1775
- Style
- Georgian Georgian
- Neighborhood
- Merrimack Shipbuilding District
- MACRIS
- NWB.259 ↗
- Formerly
- 238 Merrimac Street
History
This house is a fine example of the Georgian homes built in Newburyport during the eighteenth century. The building is two stories in height with a pitched roof and a symmetrical five-bay facade. The architectural details in the house are simple, yet characteristic of the Georgian period.
The double-hung window sash has nine-over-Sid or six-over-six lights. The front entrance porch is an excellent example of the period. The door is flanked by pilasters supporting a pediment above.
Although this house undoubtedly dates from the eighteenth century, the earliest known owner was a “W. Mace,” as noted on the 1851 Map of Newburyport. This was possibly William Mace (1787-1868).
Mrs. J. Martha Whittier is noted as the proprietor on the 1872 Map of Newburyport. Joseph Whittier, also in residence, was an engineer employed by the Essex Mills.
Later owners of the house included Wallace Anderson, who sold the property to Israel A. Morse in 1895. In 1905, Morse willed the house to M.A. Gooch, who owned it until 1922.
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 58-1 · Zone WMD
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. 1775, 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
1 view · Biff Bouse
From the archive
6 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.259
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 5 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)