- Built
- c. 1808
- Style
- Federal Federal
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.15 ↗
History
This house is a fine example of domestic architecture, built by Newburyport’s wealthy merchant class during the Federal period. The house has the typical three-story form with a hipped roof. Pilasters flank the doorway, and columns support the portico. The portico’s modillioned cornice matches the building’s cornice.
Initially, this house had an elegant balustrade gracing the roofline. It resembled the one on the Nelson-Wheelwright house at 96 High Street.
Anthony Davenport, a prominent Newburyport merchant, purchased the land for this home in 1807 and built it shortly thereafter. His father owned the famous Wolfe Tavern, which Anthony and his brother Moses owned after his death. The Marquis de Chastellux stayed there during a visit to Newburyport.
Anthony Davenport lived on Water Street in 1791 and had a business and wharf on the Merrimack. He was interested in many vessels, including the Brig Hazard, which commissioned a “letter of marque” during the Revolutionary War. Several of his ships, specifically the Schooner Unity and the Brig Catherine, were captured by the French during the war between France and England in 1798. Davenport served as a selectman in 1792.
Anthony Davenport lived here until 1838 when the property was conveyed to his daughter, Mrs. Samuel DeFord. She and her heirs owned the house until 1871 when it was sold to John B. Greeley’s family. He and his heirs lived in the house until 1974, when Mr. Paul Nelson purchased it.
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 15-17 · 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. 1808, 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
3 items · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.15