High Street · No. 73 · NWB.12

73 High Street

Ebenezer Wheelwright House

Built 1775–1830National Register district

Built: c. 1800
Style: Second Empire Second Empire
Neighborhood: High Street District
MACRIS: NWB.12 ↗

History

This house is an excellent example of the Second Empire style as interpreted in the domestic architecture of Newburyport’s wealthy class. The hallmark of the style is the mansard roof, which nearly always has the dormers seen here.

The projecting central pavilion, with its own roof, helps produce the three-dimensional effect characteristic of the style. The cupola with bracketed cornice, matching the brackets under the eaves, is also a notable feature. The entrance portico is also detailed with brackets and is supported by pillars. Each of these elements contributes to the effect of the Second Empire style.

A house stood on this site in 1851. This house was built by Ebenezer Wheelwright, who purchased the property from Ebenezer Stocker, who built the house at 75 High Street. It can be assumed that the earlier structure was extensively rebuilt, circa 1860.

In 1872, this house was owned by John James Currier. Currier was a member of the Currier shipbuilding family and was also the treasurer of the Bayley Hat Company. He was part-owner of several ships, built by the firm of John J. Currier, Jr. These included the “Blondel” 1855, the “Wanpan” 1861, and the “Winged Hunter” built in 1864.

Currier was elected alderman from Ward 6 in 1863-64 and in 1879 was elected mayor of Newburyport. In 1887, he was elected to the state Senate to serve in the General Court. He was also a contributor to the Simpson Annex of the Newburyport Public Library. He was one of the incorporators of the Historical Society of Old Newbury.

He is probably best known for his four-volume history of Newbury and Newburyport. These were first published at the turn of the 20th century.

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 33-31 · Zone HSRA

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.
Zoning Ordinance §XXVIII ↗
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.
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 →