Explore Greater Newburyport's Latest Development Insights
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If you’ve ever driven around Greater Newburyport and wondered, “What’s going on at that property?” — you’re not alone. It’s the question we get asked more than anything else.
When you’re not actively buying or selling, most people still want to know what’s being built, what’s changing, and how it will impact our community.
That’s exactly what this month’s video is all about — a full breakdown of major projects and local development updates across Newburyport, Amesbury, Salisbury, and West Newbury. We’re pulling back the curtain and giving you the inside scoop on what’s really happening in our backyard.
🎥 Watch the full video here: Local Development News | Greater Newburyport Real Estate Update
Let’s start with the big one — Port Plaza Landing.
Plans have been finalized for 212 mixed-income rental units on the old Kmart property, with 25% designated as affordable housing. This will be the largest building in Newburyport’s history.
Not everyone is thrilled. Concerns over the project’s scale and impact on historic character are circulating, but in reality, options for the site were limited. The property’s commercial restrictions (like Shaw’s exclusivity clause) prevent other supermarkets or big-box competitors such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.
And while people have dreamed about a gym or pickleball courts, those just aren’t feasible at this scale.
At the end of the day, the plaza has sat vacant for years — and redeveloping it with housing could inject much-needed energy into the area without disrupting nearby neighborhoods.
If you’ve spent any time at Salisbury Beach lately, you’ve probably noticed the ongoing dune nourishment projects.
These are state-funded efforts to combat erosion — but here’s the twist: much of the work is being done on private property. That has stirred debate among residents who question whether taxpayer dollars should fund improvements on private land.
At the same time, developers continue to build larger waterfront buildings, leading some to ask: “If we can’t protect what’s already here, why keep adding more?”
It’s a complicated issue that blends coastal resilience, private rights, and long-term sustainability — and it’s not going away anytime soon.
The former Amesbury Elementary School on South Hampton Road has been closed for several years, and the city has made it clear: they want it redeveloped for residential use.
While no proposal is on the table yet, the property’s size and location make it a prime opportunity for new housing — and potentially creative reuse of the existing mid-century school building (asbestos permitting, of course).
As Amesbury continues to attract strong developers, this site will be one to watch closely in 2026 and beyond.
If you’ve driven down Merrimac Street and done a double-take at the house that suddenly disappeared — you’re not imagining things.
The 1700s Georgian home, long in disrepair, was recently purchased by a local builder and deemed structurally unsafe. The city granted permission for demolition after inspections confirmed it couldn’t be salvaged safely.
While preservation is always ideal, sometimes the “juice isn’t worth the squeeze.” Still, this situation has reignited discussions about historic demolition delays and how to balance charm with practicality in a housing market where teardown-to-luxury rebuilds are now common.
It’s not just Merrimac Street — across Greater Newburyport, developers are snapping up older homes.
Here’s why: five years ago, fully rehabbing an antique property often didn’t “pencil out.” But today, with luxury home prices in the $2–4M range, the math finally makes sense.
Buyers are willing to pay top dollar for modern amenities wrapped in historic character, and that’s fueling this wave of teardown-and-transform activity.
One project we’re especially excited about? The Federal Street renovation.
A historic single-family home will be fully restored, with a new townhouse being added beside it — each priced around $2M.
This builder truly understands historic replication, preserving original proportions, trim, and detail while complementing the neighborhood’s timeless South End aesthetic. Thoughtful design like this proves that modern living and heritage can coexist beautifully.
The beloved former Knapp Garden Center site in West Newbury has been under contract for redevelopment — but its future has been anything but straightforward.
Originally floated as a potential site for the MBTA Communities multifamily zoning requirement, it was voted down at Spring Town Meeting. The town instead designated a municipally owned parcel — a move that could actually create more state oversight and red tape.
Developer John Sarkis is still moving forward, working on environmental cleanup and planning to submit renderings soon. Expect a friendly 40B project under the Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) model — meaning preserved green space in exchange for modest density. None of the units will be “affordable” by state definition, but it will add much-needed housing variety.
If you’ve driven by the corner of 110 and Elm Street and spotted a sleek black building where Friendly’s once stood — mystery solved: it’s a new Starbucks.
Despite national closures, the location makes perfect sense. It sits in the so-called “Golden Triangle” — the junction of 95, 495, and 110 — capturing commuters from every direction.
It may not be the whimsical Pizza Hut architecture of decades past, but the clean, adaptable design signals the future of retail: flexibility over nostalgia.
177 State Street, Newbury: Mixed-use redevelopment near the rotary. Environmental cleanup from previous industrial use is ongoing.
Beacon Avenue, Newburyport: New construction home listed for $3.5M, following the trend of larger, high-end builds in the South End.
From Salisbury’s shifting sands to Newburyport’s historic restorations, Greater Newburyport is changing fast — but thoughtfully.
Our goal is to keep you informed about the projects shaping our neighborhoods, property values, and community character.
📺 Watch the full breakdown on YouTube: Greater Newburyport Development Update | October 2025
💬 Have questions about a project or neighborhood? Drop a comment on the video or reach out — we love talking all things local real estate.
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