Middle Street · No. 41 · NWB.1847

41 Middle Street

Le Breton-Cross House

Built 1775–1830National Register district

Built: c. 1815
Style: Federal Federal
Neighborhood: South End District
MACRIS: NWB.1847 ↗

History

41 Middle Street is a Federal Style row home that sits beside two other almost identical row homes. They look to have all been split initially into at least two separate residences, and the second doorway was bricked-in for this home. The windows appear to have once had granite lintels but were removed at some point.

It is possible that the fenestration was also changed, as this home has more symmetrical window placement than its two neighbor row homes.

This row house was built around 1815, and from my research, it seems that Captain Peter Le Breton was one of the first owners. Around 1829, Dr. Enoch Cross purchased the home. Isaac C Clement was the owner after Dr Cross and lived there in the late 1850s. It was then sold to Weymouth Lydston in 1857, who owned it until he died in 1883. Several generations of the Kelleher family owned the home from about 1900 to 1970. (Sources in comments)

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 7-32 · 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 Ordinance §XXVII ↗
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.
City flowchart, June 2026 ↗

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 →