- Built
- c. 1800
- Style
- Late Georgian Georgian
- Neighborhood
- South End District
- MACRIS
- NWB.2038 ↗
- Formerly
- 51 Prospect Street
History
Between 1894 and 1900, side porches were added; between 1900 and 1906, a two-story rear extension was added, and the property was cut in half; between 1906 and 1914, a single-story center projection entrance was added, and the Cobbler building and outbuilding in the rear of the property were removed.
The 1851 map identifies “H. Spitler” as the owner or resident of this house, on what was then called Robert Street. Henry Spiller (1803-1863) and Abagail Moulton Spiller (1803-1885) were living in this home up until their deaths. Henry Spiller, who at the age of 20, took over the Tailoring business of Enoch Pike, in an agreement with his widow.
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 18-39 · Zone R2
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. 1800, 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.2038, NWB.2038
- McIntyre, H. (Henry). “Plan of Newburyport, Mass. from an actual survey.” Map. 1851. Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center.
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts. Sanborn Map Company, Aug 1894. Map.
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts. Sanborn Map Company, Jan 1900. Map.
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts. Sanborn Map Company, Sep, 1906. Map.
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts. Sanborn Map Company, Oct 1914. Map.
- “Henry Spiller would inform.” Newburyport Herald, Friday, November 28, 1823, p. 3.
- “The ‘Old Section’ Surprised.” Newburyport Daily Herald, Monday, January 24, 1859, p. 2.
- “Deaths.” Newburyport Herald, Wednesday, July 22, 1885, p. 2.
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 24 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)