History
The Swain-Doyle House was built shortly after the turn of the nineteenth century. It is one of the finer examples of the Federal style in Newburyport. It is located on Upper Green Street and is surrounded by other fine examples of Georgian and Federal domestic architecture.
The entrance to the house was altered during the Greek Revival period and features side and transom lights characteristic of that style. The balustrade, hiding the already minimized hip roof, is exceptional, as is the elaborate cornice of “bee hive” molding surmounted by a row of mutules.
According to John Mead Howells, this house was built by Levi Swain, a Newburyport merchant. The house was inhabited by William C. Balch for approximately 25 years in the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1851, Balch was registered as the owner of the house. At that time, he was a merchant. He contributed significantly to the advancement of commerce in Newburyport through his involvement as an incorporator of both the Ocean Steam Mills and the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank. At this time, with trade declining, Newburyport’s economy relied heavily on the development of new industries, such as the manufacture of cloth.
Balch also contributed to the civic sphere. He served on the Common Council under the first Mayor, when Newburyport became a city in 1851. He also served as alderman in Newburyport in 1865 and 1866.
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 47-1 · Zone B3
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 photos
2 views · Biff Bouse
From the archive
7 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.325