Boston, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Ebenezer Hancock House, a historic property linked to Founding Father John Hancock, has been put on the market for the first time in over 50 years. This Georgian building, located at 10 Marshall St. in Boston, retains original architectural details and is zoned for mixed-use, allowing both commercial and residential opportunities. With an assessed value of approximately $1.65 million, the property is being marketed for a preservation-minded buyer who values its rich history.
Boston
The Ebenezer Hancock House at 10 Marshall St. in Boston has been placed on the market for the first time in more than 50 years. The three-story Georgian building, originally built and owned by Founding Father John Hancock in 1767, is the only remaining property in Boston directly linked to him. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a stop on Boston’s Freedom Trail.
Key sale details
The property is being offered with no public asking price. City tax records show an assessed value of approximately $1.65 million. The current owner, the law firm Swartz & Swartz, acquired the building in 1974 and is now placing it on the market. The listing is aimed at an owner occupant who can serve as a steward of the landmark site and appreciate its historical value.
Property description and zoning
The house retains many original Georgian architectural details from the 1700s and contains 12 private offices across its three floors. The building is zoned for mixed-use, making it suitable for both commercial and residential purposes. The first floor has a long commercial history and is adaptable for a range of uses.
Historic and civic context
Ebenezer Hancock, John Hancock’s younger brother, lived in the house and used it to hold two million silver crowns that were loaned by the French government to be distributed to troops. Over time the building has served a variety of community and commercial roles: from 1798 to 1963 the first floor was the site of what was historically the longest continuously operating shoe store in the United States. The structure has also functioned as a restaurant, tavern, boarding house, officers’ club, and private museum.
Location and neighborhood
The house sits near other historic venues, including the Green Dragon Tavern, and is located close to City Hall and two MBTA stations. Its placement on the Freedom Trail and recognition on the National Register connect it to Boston’s colonial and Revolutionary-era heritage.
Market and stewardship considerations
No formal price has been announced by the seller. Given the building’s age, historic designation, and mixed-use zoning, prospective buyers should be prepared for specialized maintenance requirements, potential historic-preservation reviews for alterations, and opportunities for adaptive reuse consistent with landmark status. The listing is being marketed with an emphasis on finding a buyer who will maintain the property’s historical character while using it as an active workplace or residence.
Summary of notable facts
- Address: 10 Marshall St., Boston
- Year built: 1767
- Historical ties: Built and originally owned by John Hancock; lived in by Ebenezer Hancock
- Historic roles: Long-running shoe store (1798–1963), restaurant, tavern, boarding house, officers’ club, private museum
- Current owner: Swartz & Swartz (purchased 1974)
- Structure: Three stories, 12 private offices
- Zoning: Mixed-use (commercial and residential)
- Historic designations: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places; on the Freedom Trail
- Assessed value: Approximately $1.65 million (city tax records)
What this means for the public and potential buyers
The sale presents an opportunity for preservation-minded ownership that keeps the property active and accessible. Because the building carries historic designations, future uses and changes are likely to be reviewed by preservation authorities. Its mixed-use zoning provides flexibility for a range of occupancy types, from continued professional offices to combined residential and commercial configurations.
FAQ
- Is the Ebenezer Hancock House publicly listed for sale with a price?
- No public asking price has been listed. City tax records show an assessed value of approximately $1.65 million.
- Who owns the building now?
- The law firm Swartz & Swartz purchased the property in 1974 and is the current owner placing it on the market.
- What is the building’s historical significance?
- The house was built and originally owned by John Hancock in 1767. It is the only remaining property in Boston linked to him, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is part of the Freedom Trail. Ebenezer Hancock lived there and used it to hold funds loaned by the French government to support troops.
- What uses has the building had over time?
- The building’s first floor was home to a continuously operating shoe store from 1798 to 1963. It has also served as a restaurant, tavern, boarding house, officers’ club, private museum, and office space.
- What zoning applies to the property?
- The property is zoned for mixed-use, allowing both commercial and residential uses, subject to applicable local regulations and historic-preservation requirements.
- Where is the house located in relation to transit and landmarks?
- The house is near City Hall, two MBTA stations, and historic sites such as the Green Dragon Tavern. It is on Boston’s Freedom Trail.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property name | Ebenezer Hancock House |
| Address | 10 Marshall St., Boston |
| Year built | 1767 |
| Original owner | John Hancock |
| Current owner | Swartz & Swartz (purchased 1974) |
| Historic designations | National Register of Historic Places; on the Freedom Trail |
| Stories/offices | Three stories; 12 private offices |
| Zoning | Mixed-use (commercial and residential) |
| Assessed value | Approximately $1.65 million (city tax records) |
| Notable past uses | Shoe store (1798–1963), restaurant, tavern, boarding house, officers’ club, private museum |
| Nearby | Green Dragon Tavern, City Hall, two MBTA stations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Skanska Partners with Simmons University for Mixed-Use Development
Boston Elections Department Faces Ballot Error Ahead of Elections
Massachusetts Commemorates 250 Years of Revolutionary History
Greater Boston Housing Market Surpasses $1 Million Median Price
Greater Boston’s Housing Market Surpasses $1 Million Median Price
MBTA Announces Partial Shutdown of Red Line for Maintenance
Greater Boston’s Median Home Price Exceeds $1 Million
Boston Mayoral Candidates Clash Over Housing Affordability Strategies
Boston’s Historic Ebenezer Hancock House Returns to Market
Brookline Named Best Place to Live in Greater Boston
Additional Resources
- Realtor.com: John Hancock’s Former Boston Home for Sale
- Boston.com: John Hancock’s Boston Home Up for Grabs
- Patch: John Hancock’s Former Boston Home on Market
- NBC Boston: John Hancock House in Boston
- Google Search: John Hancock Boston home sale
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
