High Street · No. 63 · NWB.10

63 High Street

Pike-Cushing-Bachman House

Built 1775–1830National Register district

Built: c. 1810
Style: Federal Federal
Neighborhood: High Street District
MACRIS: NWB.10 ↗

History

This house is an exceptional example of the terraced “Square” house built along High Street in the early 19th century. The house has notable architectural features, including the elegant balustrade, a two-story entrance pavilion with a Palladian window surmounted by a balustrade matching that of the roof.

On the first floor, the portico is supported by fluted Ionic columns. The entablature above is elegantly detailed with medallions. The cornice moulding is one called a “beehive” moulding in Newburyport, where it is pretty standard. The house has an ell on the Northwest side with arched openings at the door, and the entablature and balustrade are seen in the house’s facade. The house is surrounded by a wooden fence of unusual and original design.

This house was built by Richard Pike, a merchant and shipowner in Newburyport. He owned the Schooners “Go Ahead” and “Martha,” built in 1811 and 1791, respectively. He was also part owner of the Ship “Washington” and the Brig “Lucy.” Pike was also prominent in community organizations.

In 1849, this house was purchased by Caleb Cushing, one of Newburyport’s most prominent and illustrious citizens. Cushing grew up in Newburyport and attended Harvard Law School. He was admitted to the bar in 1821 and opened a practice in Newburyport. Cushing suggested the act annexing areas of Newbury to Newburyport, in 1851. On June 24, 1851, he was elected the first mayor of the City of Newburyport after its incorporation.

Between 1866 and 1875, William Cushing, a merchant, was the owner of this house. He was also the city's mayor in 1856-58. He was president of the First and Ocean Bank and representative to the General Court in 1872. After Cushing’s death, the property was conveyed to Solomon Bachman of New York City.

Planning work on this building?

Reviews that may apply

Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 33-27 · Zone HSRA

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.
Zoning Ordinance §XXVIII-D.3 ↗
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1810, 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.
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 →