One Lincoln Street

One Lincoln Street. A prominent skyscraper in the Financial District of Boston, this 36-story tower is a defining feature of the city's modern skyline. Completed in 2003, it stands as a major Class A office building and a key component of the Quincy Market and Government Center area. The building is notable for its distinctive design, sustainable features, and role as the headquarters for State Street Corporation.

History

The site was previously occupied by a parking garage, part of the redevelopment efforts following the construction of the Central Artery and the Big Dig. Development was spearheaded by The Chiofaro Company, a prominent Boston real estate firm, which secured approvals in the late 1990s. Construction commenced in 2001, with the tower opening in 2003 during a period of significant transformation for downtown Boston. Its development coincided with the relocation of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, which now provides a scenic park adjacent to the property. The project faced various planning challenges common to major developments in historic urban cores like Boston.

Architecture

Designed by the renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower rises 240 feet and features a sleek, modern glass curtain wall facade. Its form is characterized by a curved southern elevation that addresses the irregular intersection of Congress Street and Atlantic Avenue, creating a dynamic presence. The building incorporates several sustainable design elements and has achieved LEED certification, reflecting contemporary priorities in commercial architecture. The lobby features high-quality materials and connects directly to the State Street station on the MBTA's Blue Line and Orange Line, integrating it with Boston's public transit network.

Tenants and uses

The primary anchor tenant is the global financial services giant State Street Corporation, which occupies a significant portion of the building for its corporate headquarters. Other notable tenants have included prestigious law firms such as Goodwin Procter and various financial and professional service companies. The ground floor contains retail spaces that serve the building's occupants and the surrounding Financial District community. The building's location near Faneuil Hall and the Boston Harbor makes it a central hub for business and commerce in the city.

Ownership and management

The building has been owned and managed since its inception by its developer, The Chiofaro Company, led by principal Don Chiofaro. The firm is also known for its ownership and redevelopment ambitions for the nearby Boston Harbor Garage adjacent to the New England Aquarium. Property management and leasing are handled internally by the ownership group, which has maintained the tower as a premier office address in the competitive Boston market. Its strategic ownership has kept it under local control amidst a national landscape of institutional real estate investors.

In popular culture

The distinctive silhouette of the tower has featured in establishing shots of the Boston skyline in numerous films and television series set in the city. It has appeared in background scenes of movies involving financial or legal dramas, capitalizing on its association with the Financial District. While not as frequently featured as historic landmarks like the Old State House or the USS Constitution, its modern architecture represents contemporary Boston in visual media. The building is also a recognizable backdrop in professional photography of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway and the Boston Harbor waterfront.

Category:Skyscrapers in Boston Category:Office buildings in Massachusetts Category:Skidmore, Owings & Merrill buildings