- Built
- c. 1880
- Style
- Italianate Italianate
- MACRIS
- NWB.338 ↗
- Formerly
- 4 Harris Street
History
This building is a vernacular interpretation of the Italianate style, which became popular in the mid-19th century. Elements in the design reference the Roman-Tuscan mode of the Renaissance Revival, as evident in the heavy lintels over the long, villa-style windows.
The use of the pediment to emphasize the slightly projecting entrance is characteristic of the High Victorian Italianate style, as is the incorporation of elaborate classical elements in the portico. The building lacks the interesting form and abundance of detail that would be characteristic of the full-blown Italianate Victorian style.
Rufus Sargent was in residence at No. 8 Harris St., then No. 4 Harris St., in 1884. Sargent was listed as an architect with an office in the same building in 1884. It is quite possible that Sargent was both the architect and the original owner of this house.
In 1925, Harold A. Eldredge, a bond salesman in Boston, resided at 8 Harris Street. Today, the building houses two apartments and offices.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Downtown Overlay District (DOD) · Parcel 1-2 · Zone B2
Planning Board decides
Downtown, new construction, alteration or demolition of a historic building (individually listed or contributing in 1984) needs a DOD special permit, judged against the Secretary of the Interior's Standards; the Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing windows, doors, signs, awnings or fences is reviewed by the Planning Office at staff level, with a window inventory; a new opening in a wall needs the Board. The demolition delay ordinance does not apply downtown except to work the Zoning Administrator excludes from DOD review.
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 1860–1900
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System - NWB.338