Commerce Cottages
INTRODUCING: The Commerce Cottages – A New Downtown Destination for Creativity, Community & Commerce
Something new and exciting has arrived in downtown Newburyport: The Commerce Cottages—a charming collection of small shops created to support local artists, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, students, and small businesses who want a downtown brick-and-mortar presence without the high costs.
This brand-new initiative from the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce transforms the beautiful green courtyard of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist Church on Pleasant Street into a vibrant hub of community, creativity, and local commerce.
We’re deeply grateful to the Unitarian Church for partnering with us on this project—especially during their 300th anniversary year—as we work together to foster a space that brings positivity, inclusion, and opportunity to our city.
Why This Matters
Last summer, the Firehouse Center for the Arts questioned future management of the Arts & Culture Shanty Program. In response, the Chamber stepped up, kept the program open —we worked with City Council to keep the program legally permitted, took it under our insurance, and offered free access to the remaining shanty renters to keep it alive for the rest of the year.
But as we learned more about the city’s plans for Phase III of the Waterfront Park project, it became clear that the cottages would eventually need a new home. Rather than wait and risk losing this kind of opportunity for local creators altogether, we got to work on something better and more sustainable.
Enter: The Commerce Cottages
These brand-new cottages are more inclusive than ever before. This year’s program isn’t just for artisans—it's open to nonprofits, students, small businesses, church groups, makers, and entrepreneurs of all types.
Even better:
- Rent is more affordable than previous years
- Vending is available 7 days a week
- It’s centrally located on Pleasant Street
- It’s built for long-term impact and accessibility
Let’s Be Clear
This is a completely new program, built from the ground up by the Chamber—not a continuation of the former shanty initiative. It’s designed with community, equity, and sustainability in mind.
Come stroll through the Commerce Cottages on Pleasant Street. Meet the makers. Support a cause. Discover a new small business. It’s all happening right here—and we can’t wait to see you there.