- Built
- c. 1860
- Style
- Vernacular Greek Revival Greek Revival
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.59 ↗
History
This building is vernacular in style with few elements that would indicate the period of construction. The brick foundation and the cornice moulding indicate that the structure dates from the nineteenth century. The overall form of the building is apparently influenced by the late Greek Revival style.
This would suggest that the building was built after 1845. This building is unusual in that is one of very few buildings on High Street that was not strictly residential.
Built prior to 1871, this building was used as the residence and place of business of Oliver Hale. Hale was a house and sign painter. Although he advertised that he also worked on ships there is on evidence that he was active in that area.
The first floor of the building was undoubtedly used as Hale’s paint shop. He resided in the rooms above. The building has continued to have a mixed residential and commercial use to the present day.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 42-84-A/C · Zone HSRB
Zoning Board of Appeals may decide
In the DCOD. Whether removing more than 25% of the exterior walls needs a DCOD special permit depends on the building’s status in the 1984 National Register nomination, which this site has not matched for this lot yet; the Office of Planning and Development keeps the list.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1860, 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 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.59
- Find a Grave, database and images, memorial page for Oliver Hale Jr. (25 Nov 1789–25 Nov 1872), Find a Grave Memorial ID 55352797.
- Biff Bouse, Instagram post (@newburyportarchitecture), 2021-09-07