History
This building is vernacular in style with little architectural detail. The building is Federal in form, three stories high, with hipped roofs and smaller square windows in the third story. This building was probably built as a utilitarian structure. The doorways have been altered. Presently, the building contains a residence and a small business.
The form of this building appears utilitarian. It was built during the Federal period. The earliest owner has yet to be documented. By 1851, the property had been converted to a residence.
On the 1851 Map of Newburyport, A. Currier is shown as the owner of this building. According to Newspaper records, Albert Currier was renting the “Bakehouse and House” at 38-40 Market Street (the address of the building at that time).
Further newspapers showed that the “three-story Brick Store and Dwelling House” was put up for auction in 1875. By 1881, Mrs. Julia A. Hopkinson was living here and celebrated her 75th birthday in the home. And, in 1885, Miss Isabella Romily practiced as a “Teacher of Instrumental Music” out of this building. The 1906 Sanborn map shows it was a Bakery, and in 1914, it was an upholstery shop.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 46-26 · Zone R3
Zoning Board of Appeals decides
Listed as contributing in 1984, so removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, counted cumulatively since 2014 and including walls enclosed by an addition or openings filled in, needs a DCOD special permit; the Board may grant one only if the building retains no substantial remaining market value or reasonable use. The Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing siding, or windows and doors in their openings, does not count.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1815, 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. In the DCOD the wall test goes to the Zoning Board instead; the Commission keeps roofline, roof pitch and dormer work. 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 →
From the archive
7 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.448
- McIntyre, H. (Henry). “Plan of Newburyport, Mass. from an actual survey.” Map. 1851.
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Map(s) from Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts. Sanborn Map Company, Map(s). May 1888; Sep 1906; Oct 1914.
- Newburyport Daily Herald, Monday, February 17, 1851, p. 3; Tuesday, June 8, 1875, p. 3; Wednesday, March 23, 1881, p. 1; Monday, September 7, 1885, p. 2.
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 12 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)