- Built
- c. 1750
- Style
- Georgian Georgian
- Neighborhood
- Merrimack Shipbuilding District
- MACRIS
- NWB.248 ↗
History
This house is an excellent example of the fine Georgian homes built by what was then Newbury’s shipbuilders. The house is two stories in height with a pitched roof. The building has a symmetrical five-bay facade. The entrance porch is an exceptional example of the period. It resembles a classical temple in miniature. It is pedimented, and the door is flanked by paired pilasters.
The original owner of this house is not known. During the mid-nineteenth century, the house’s owner was Joseph Coffin. Coffin was a shipbuilder. He worked in the yard south of Jefferson Street, once used by an ancestor, Samuel Coffin. Joseph Coffin was building as early as 1826 when he built the schooner “Baltic.” The vessel was in service for over fifty years. Coffin was in the business until 1871. Both his shipyard and house were sold in the next year, apparently after Coffin’s death.
Before 1899, this house was acquired by George Allen, who sold it to Harrison H. Rodgers in that year. In 1910, the property was sold to Frank D. Adams.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Outside the historic district and the two overlays · Parcel 68-115 · Zone R2B
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1750, 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 →
Details
1 close-up
From the archive
1 item · maps, papers, old photographs
More built Before 1775
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS) - NWB.248