- Built
- c. 1857
- Style
- Italianate Italianate
- MACRIS
- NWB.491 ↗
History
Architecturally, this two-story building with a hipped roof is of interest for its features of several nineteenth-century Italianate styles. The overall design appears to be derived from the Renaissance Revival style in the Romanesque Tuscan Mode.
Features of this style include the massive bracketed cornice, the rusticated quoins and wall surface, and the trabeated windows. The bowed front is unusual, as is the cupola, which is more frequently seen in the Italian Villa style, also popular during this period. The entrance porch is Italianate in style.
Newburyport Preservation Trust research determined that the original owner of the 1857 home was James B. Fairbanks, a jewelry maker and merchant. By 1871, Robert Couch is listed as the owner of this house. Couch served as mayor in 1870 and 1881. He also served as a representative to the General Court in 1872. The house remained in the Couch family until it was sold to Anne McDonald in 1912.
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 47-76 · 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
6 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.491