History
This house is an exceptional example of the three-story Federal style home, a design prevalent throughout the City of Newburyport. The Bartlet-Atkinson House is a fully developed example of the Federal style. The doorway is elegantly detailed. It is pedimented, and the door is flanked by pilasters.
There is a semi-circular fanlight over the door. The symmetrical five-bay facade has several noteworthy features. These include a splayed window lintel with a keystone motif and stone belt courses that extend around the building between floors. The cornice is interesting. It is detailed with what is referred to as a “beehive” molding. It occurs in many of the Federal homes in Newburyport. The house has a hipped roof and small, nearly square windows in the third story. These are typical features of the Federal style.
The Bartlet-Atkinson house was built in 1805 by William Bartlet for his son Edmund. William Bartlet was a prominent merchant who owned a fleet of vessels. His son Edmund was equally distinguished in the Town of Newburyport.
Edmund Bartlet was born in Newburyport in 1775. Bartlet was very interested in improving the area around the Frog Pond. It was at his suggestion and expense that this area was improved and subsequently named Bartlet Mall. Edmund Bartlet was engaged in the manufacture of woolen yarn and cotton batting. Edmund Bartlet lived in this house until his death on May 9, 1854.
Shortly afterward, this house was acquired by Mrs. Hannah B. Atkinson. The Atkinson family owned 3 Market Street until 1923, when it was sold to Harriet Lunt. Between 1925 and 1962, the house was owned by the Newburyport Lodge No. 1601, Loyal Order of Moose. In 1962, the house was sold and returned to a single-family residence.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Downtown Overlay District (DOD) · Parcel 47-41 · Zone B2
Planning Board decides
Downtown, new construction, alteration or demolition of a historic building (individually listed or contributing in 1984) needs a DOD special permit, judged against the Secretary of the Interior's Standards; the Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing windows, doors, signs, awnings or fences is reviewed by the Planning Office at staff level, with a window inventory; a new opening in a wall needs the Board. The demolition delay ordinance does not apply downtown except to work the Zoning Administrator excludes from DOD review.
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 built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.433