One Jewett Street

ROCKPORT, MA

RENOVATION

One Jewett Street is located in the lovely seaside town of Rockport, convenient to arts & culture, shops & restaurants, the harbor and so much more. The property is in the heart of Rockport, right next to town hall and just 2 blocks from Bearskin Neck and all that Rockport has to offer. The property is also located a short distance from the Commuter Rail station to Boston.

A large beige two-story house at 17 Smith Place features multiple windows, dormers, a covered front entrance, and blooming hydrangea bushes in the landscaped garden.

The site was originally home to the United Methodist Church of Rockport. The church experienced a fire in the 1980’s, which spawned the construction of a new church building on the site in 1985. When the church made the decision to close in 2022, we were fortunate to be able to acquire it.

Being built in the 1980’s, the building had a modern concrete foundation, steel framing components and was sited ideally on the lot. Our gameplan was to remove the upper portion of the building, leaving the foundation and some framing components, and then build new construction above. The result is a 2.5 story building which houses 4 residential condominium units, each with 3-4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, private outdoor space and parking.

The two upper units occupied the 2nd and 3rd floors, and each had a private roofdeck with wonderful views of Rockport and the Atlantic Ocean. The two lower units occupied the first floor and below, and each had a private patio and yard.

Aerial view of One Jewett Street, a multi-story white residential building with multiple balconies, surrounded by a fence and neighboring houses on a sunny day.
A three-story beige house at One Jewett Street features a small balcony and rooftop deck, surrounded by a yard with a picnic table on the lawn, all under a blue sky.
A three-story beige building at One Jewett Street with multiple gabled roofs, surrounded by a gravel parking area under a clear blue sky. An American flag is visible on a flagpole to the right.
A beige, two-story building at One Jewett Street features double front doors labeled "ONE" above the entrance, framed by leafless shrubs and a stone walkway leading to the entry.
A beige building entrance at One Jewett Street features wooden double doors, columns, and "ONE" written above the doorway; stone steps and pathway lead to the entrance.

This was a case of being in the right place at the right time. We were building another project in Rockport at 5 ½ Prospect Street. I came to the site to check on things, and on my way out, I spotted for sale sign that was not there when I drove by earlier that morning. Intrigued, I quickly called the Realtor and found out that the property was just listed, not even on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) yet, so my timing could not have been any better. After some research online, I determined that the property was zoned to allow for residential condominiums, our favorite thing to build, and we made an offer which was accepted next day.

This lot was located in a historic district. Because the existing building (circa 1985) did not qualify as “historic,” we would be allowed to demolish the upper portions, so long as what we built back was historically appropriate. To determine what was appropriate meant submitting a series of different architectural versions before we arrived at the version which was built. The historic commission was hugely helpful in this process, and I think everyone is very proud of the result. From a construction and materials standpoint, building this project to look 100+ years old meant using materials common to the time: Wood clapboard siding, Rockport granite hardscaping, copper gutters and real wood windows. The result is something timeless, and one of our favorite buildings of all time.

A beige building entrance at One Jewett Street features wooden double doors, columns, and "ONE" written above the doorway; stone steps and pathway lead to the entrance.
A beige, two-story building at One Jewett Street features double front doors labeled "ONE" above the entrance, framed by leafless shrubs and a stone walkway leading to the entry.
A three-story beige building at One Jewett Street with multiple gabled roofs, surrounded by a gravel parking area under a clear blue sky. An American flag is visible on a flagpole to the right.
Modern kitchen at One Jewett Street with white cabinets, blue countertops, wooden bar stools, pendant lights, and a dining area featuring a round table and chairs on a blue rug.
Modern open-concept living and dining area at One Jewett Street features neutral tones, large windows, a dark sofa, dining table, and a visible kitchen in the background.
Bright living room at One Jewett Street features gray sofas, wooden furniture, a striped rug, and large windows filling the space with natural light; a small dining area is visible in the background.
Modern kitchen at One Jewett Street with a large island, white cabinets, black countertop, pendant lighting, and an open view into the living area filled with natural light from expansive windows.
Modern kitchen at One Jewett Street featuring a large island, four wooden bar stools, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and three pendant lights overhead.
A small wooden table with two gray chairs is set up for a board game between two windows in a bright living space at One Jewett Street. A framed artwork hangs on the wall above the table.
Experience the bright, modern open-concept kitchen and living area at One Jewett Street, featuring light wood flooring, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and large windows that flood the space with natural light.
Modern kitchen at One Jewett Street features white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, gray subway tile backsplash, a spacious island with dark countertop, and two pendant lights above the island.
Modern kitchen at One Jewett Street features a black stone island countertop, built-in sink, stainless steel appliances, light wood flooring, and large windows providing natural light.
Modern kitchen at One Jewett Street with white cabinets, stainless steel refrigerator, oven and range hood, subway tile backsplash, sink, and light wood floor.
Modern apartment kitchen at One Jewett Street with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, light wood floors, and recessed lighting, adjacent to a hallway with white doors.
Bright, unfurnished room at One Jewett Street with light wood floors, white walls, three windows, and a compact kitchen featuring white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a subway tile backsplash.
Experience modern living at One Jewett Street—open-concept kitchen and living area with light wood floors, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and recessed lighting.
Spacious, empty kitchen and living area at One Jewett Street with light wood floors, white walls, an island with a sink, pendant lights, and several windows letting in natural light.
Contemporary kitchen at One Jewett Street with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, subway tile backsplash, and a spacious island featuring pendant lighting and light wood flooring.
Modern kitchen at One Jewett Street with a large island, light wood floors, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, pendant lights, and an open layout featuring windows and recessed lighting.
A bathroom vanity at One Jewett Street features a marble countertop, under-mount sink, gold faucet, gold-framed mirror, and elegant beige cabinetry.
Sleek modern bathroom at One Jewett Street featuring a wood vanity, black fixtures, white toilet, glass shower enclosure, and marble tile on walls and floor.
Modern bathroom at One Jewett Street with a white vanity, toilet, and bathtub; white subway tile walls, matte black fixtures, and gray floor tiles under recessed lighting.
Experience a modern bathroom at One Jewett Street, featuring a wood vanity, marble countertop, white and black tile floor, glass-enclosed shower, and matte black fixtures.
Modern shower at One Jewett Street with marble walls, a built-in bench, a recessed shelf, black fixtures, and a glass door. The floor features striking white tiles with a bold black grid pattern.
A modern bathroom vanity from One Jewett Street features a gray cabinet, white countertop, gold faucet, and a rectangular mirror with gold accents. Light wood flooring and neutral walls complete the elegant look.
Modern bathroom at One Jewett Street with a wooden double-sink vanity, black fixtures, two arched mirrors, marble countertop, and a small potted plant.
Light wood vanity with black handles above a marble floor, featuring a rectangular section of white and black basketweave tile pattern—an elegant touch at One Jewett Street.