- Built
- c. 1800
- Style
- Federal Federal
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.11 ↗
History
This building is a fine example of the Federal domestic architecture built along High Street during the early years of the nineteenth century. The form of the house is typically Federal with three stories, hipped roof and small square windows on the top floor. The cornice is simple but the pedimented portico supported by Roman Doric columns is exceptional.
Samuel Swett purchased this parcel of land in 1799. In the deed there is no mention of buildings and it can be assumed that Swett built the house shortly after acquiring the land.
Samuel was born in Newburyport and attended Harvard College and read law in Exeter, New Hampshire and in Newburyport. In 1810 he moved to Boston. This house was acquired by Isaac Park of Boston in 1814 and it was sold to Joseph O’Brien on June 20, 1817. Joseph O’Brien served as selectman in 1820. He lived in this house until about 1822 when he sold the house to Charles W. Story, a prominent merchant in Havana Cuba for over twenty years.
Mr. Storey died in Havana in 1845 and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Newburyport. At that time the property was inherited by his daughter, Lydia M. Storey. In 1892 it was purchased by Nathaniel N. Jones, Esq. In November 1908, the house was purchased by Clara E. Waters.
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 18-4 · 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 →
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.11
- Biff Bouse, Instagram post (@newburyportarchitecture), 2020-04-16