- Built
- c. 1670–1720
- Style
- First Period First Period
- Neighborhood
- James Steam Mill District · Joppa District
- MACRIS
- NWB.162 ↗
- Formerly
- 6 Bromfield Street
History
This house holds significant architectural value as it is a well-preserved First Period. Initially, it featured casement sash windows, and a fragment of one of these windows remains in the current owner’s possession. Over time, the house’s fenestration was updated during the Georgian period.
The existing structure exhibits 17th and 18th-century framing, including an exceptional scarf joint. Notably, there is an original nine-foot fireplace with First Period molding in the kitchen. Additionally, raised field paneling and a Federal mantelpiece were added to the house after its initial construction period.
The earliest owners of this house have yet to be fully documented. The existing historic fabric suggests that it dates back to the early 18th century. The house’s earliest known owner or occupant is noted on the 1851 "Plan of Newburyport," where the "heirs of E. Pierce" are listed as the proprietors. Enoch Pierce, mentioned in Newburyport histories, served under the command of Ezra Lunt during the Revolutionary War at the age of 20. He also claimed against the government for losing the Brig "Minerva," seized by French privateers in 1798 during the war between France and England. By 1872, the property had been conveyed to Captain Joseph Howard, who operated a fish market at 11 Huse Wharf. This single-family residence holds historical significance as an essential element in the Joppa district.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984) · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 22-124 · Zone R2
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.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1670–1720, 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.
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 Before 1775
Sources
- * Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.162
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 27 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)