News Summary
The Ebenezer Hancock House in Boston, a key historical site associated with John Hancock, is now back on the market after decades under legal ownership. With rich ties to early American history, this property is a unique investment opportunity, boasting significant historical features and a strategic downtown location. The current owner seeks buyers who appreciate its history and potential for mixed-use development.
Boston: Historic Ebenezer Hancock House Returns to Market
The Ebenezer Hancock House, a significant historical property located at 10 Marshall St. in Boston, is back on the real estate market after 50 years under the ownership of the law firm Swartz & Swartz. This esteemed building, constructed in 1767, is the only remaining property associated with John Hancock, a key figure in American history known for his dramatic signature on the Declaration of Independence and his role as the first governor of Massachusetts.
Historical Significance
The house holds a unique place in Boston’s history, having originally been owned by John Hancock before being sold in 1785 to a Boston merchant. It later became the residence of Ebenezer Hancock, John Hancock’s younger brother, who famously stored a vast sum of 2 million silver crowns loaned by the French government in this house prior to disbursing funds to American troops during the Revolutionary War. The property retains several historical features, preserving its Late Georgian interior details that echo its colonial past.
Current Usage and Features
The historic house spans 5,748 square feet and has served various purposes over the years. Notably, the first floor housed the longest continuously operating shoe store in the United States from 1798 until 1963. The upper floors transitioned over time, being utilized as a boarding house, officers club, and privately operated museum. Currently, it includes 12 private offices and is strategically located near City Hall and two MBTA stations, making it accessible for various activities.
Real Estate Details
While a public listing price for the Ebenezer Hancock House has not yet been announced, it was recently assessed at $1.6 million by the City of Boston. The property is being represented by the real estate company LandVest. Dave Killen, the realtor, has indicated a preference for a buyer who values the rich history of the building and may be interested in developing a mixed-use facility.
Location and Context
In addition to its own historical value, the Ebenezer Hancock House is situated near the historic Green Dragon Tavern, another site of significance in Boston’s revolutionary heritage. The property, registered on the National Registry of Historic Places, stands as a testament to the legacy of one of America’s founding fathers, providing a unique opportunity for potential owners to blend historic appreciation with innovative development.
As the market evolves, the return of the Ebenezer Hancock House represents not just a potential investment opportunity but also a chance to preserve an essential piece of Boston’s rich historical tapestry.
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: John Hancock’s Boston Home Up for Grabs
- Wikipedia: John Hancock
- MassLive: Historic Home Once Owned by John Hancock Up for Sale
- Google Search: Ebenezer Hancock House
- Boston Magazine: John Hancock Insurance
- Google Scholar: John Hancock
- 401k Specialist: New Suite of Advisor-Centric Retirement Plan Solutions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John Hancock
- PR Newswire: John Hancock Retirement Announces Partnership with Vestwell
- Google News: John Hancock
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.
