- Built
- c. 1845
- Style
- Greek Revival Greek Revival
- MACRIS
- NWB.2697 ↗
History
Parsons Street was laid out early in the nineteenth century, as is evidenced by several Federal houses located on the street. For the most part, however, Parsons Street was settled during the middle years of the century. Most of the residences are Greek Revival-style.
The few Federal homes were updated during that period and today feature elements of the Greek Revival and Victorian styles. The residents of Parsons Street included skilled craftsmen, mill agents, and storekeepers.
The odd side of Parsons Street is entirely Greek Revival in style. The buildings are vernacular, two-and-a-half stories with pitched roofs. The gable ends of these houses face the street, creating the effect of a Greek pediment. Architectural detail is limited to bold cornerboards, entablatures, and doorways. A typical front entrance is flanked by Doric pilasters supporting a heavy entablature above. Several of the doorways were updated during the Victorian period and are ornamented with turned brackets.
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 21-50 · 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. 1845, 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
1 item · maps, papers, old photographs
More built 1830–1860
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.2697, NWB.A.J