- Built
- c. 1860
- Style
- Second Empire Second Empire
- Neighborhood
- Ocean Mills District
- MACRIS
- NWB.2594 ↗
- Formerly
- 42 Kent Street
History
The house at 54 Kent is exceptional in that it is the only brick residence in the area. This is explained by the fact that its owner and builder was William Toppan. Toppan was a mason, and his home, built about 1860, is a vernacular example of the Second Empire style. The elaborate brickwork in the cornice and window lintels was undoubtedly an attempt by Toppan to ply his trade.
William Henry Toppan (1832-1900) was a well-known mason in Newburyport and likely built this house in about 1860. William Toppan was the mason on many vital structures in the city, including the chimney at Dodge’s show factory, the “Joy Block” 16-20 Pleasant Street, and many other projects.
Toppan also served as Alderman for Ward 5 of Newburyport. He lived at the Kent Street home until he died in 1900, leaving behind his son, William C., of the firm Toppan and Wilson Bicycles.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 53-79-A/B · Zone R2
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 →
More photos
3 views · Biff Bouse
More built 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.2594
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 6 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)