News Summary

The ‘Pink House,’ a notable 1925 structure in Newburyport, will be demolished after preservation efforts failed. Governor Healey announced the decision due to serious health risks from asbestos and years of neglect. This landmark, beloved by locals, marks a significant loss for the community. Meanwhile, the real estate market is thriving, with Lamacchia Realty expanding its presence in the area, indicating a shift in Newburyport’s landscape and a rising demand for luxury homes.

Newburyport — The well-known ‘Pink House,’ an iconic structure built in 1925, is set for demolition following unsuccessful preservation efforts. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced that no alternative solutions could be found to save the building, which has faced a significant decline since it was acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011. The decision comes after advocacy campaigns led by State Sen. Bruce Tarr, State Rep. Kristen Kassner, and the nonprofit Support The Pink House failed to yield results.

Asbestos presence was a critical factor influencing the decision to demolish the Pink House. A 2014 environmental survey revealed more than 3,000 square feet of asbestos within the structure, posing severe health risks. These safety concerns played a significant role in the government agency’s approach to managing the building, ultimately leading to its expected dismantling.

Despite the loss, Governor Healey underlined the continued commitment to evaluate potential actions to preserve the legacy of the Pink House after its demolition. The structure, often cherished by local artists and residents, has become part of Newburyport’s cultural landscape, making its impending loss particularly felt within the community.

The Pink House is situated on 9 acres of habitat that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has managed since the acquisition. However, years of neglect and deterioration have rendered the building increasingly unsafe and nonviable for restoration.

At a broader level, Newburyport faces a shifting real estate landscape. The average single-family home value in the city has reached approximately $1.2 million. In comparison, the median sale price for single-family homes across Massachusetts exceeded $666,000 as of May 2025, reflecting a 4.7% year-over-year increase. The Warren Group reported that Massachusetts sold 4,010 single-family homes in May 2025, which marked a 2.4% increase compared to the same month in 2024.

In related news, Lamacchia Realty has expanded its footprint in the Newburyport market by acquiring Stone Ridge Properties, a firm with over 30 years of experience in the real estate sector. This acquisition marks a significant development, being Lamacchia Realty’s tenth acquisition within the Massachusetts market over the past 16 months. Stone Ridge Properties, which employs more than 33 agents specializing in the Greater Newburyport area, can now leverage the broader resources and capabilities of Lamacchia Realty.

As the real estate market thrives, Lamacchia Realty reported approximately $150 million in sales volume within the last year. The acquisition is part of a strategic aim to enhance their luxury sales division and cater to the growing demand for high-end residences in the region.

In summary, the ‘Pink House,’ a local landmark, faces imminent demolition due to severe health concerns and failed preservation efforts, marking a significant change in the Newburyport landscape. While real estate activity is on the rise, the community will need to come to terms with the loss of the historical structure that has been a staple in the area for nearly a century.

Demolition of Iconic Pink House in Newburyport Set to Begin

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Author: HERE Boston