100 Franklin Street Plaque

Beneath the imposing façade of 100 Franklin Street, a silent sentinel whispers tales of Boston’s financial heart. This plaque, right here at our feet, isn’t just a metal marker. It’s a portal to a bygone era. 100 Franklin Street has witnessed the ebb and flow of fortunes. It has seen Boston’s financial district transform. The plaque before us commemorates a structure that originally housed the Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Company. Built in 1909, this grand edifice, with its curved limestone façade and two-story marble lobby, cost a staggering $1.1 million. Can you imagine the opulence in 1909? Designed by the renowned architectural firm Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge, the creators of other Boston landmarks, 100 Franklin Street was a testament to the city’s growing financial power. The building later became home to the Boston Stock Exchange, a hub of activity until its closure in 2007. The plaque also mentions a lesser-known group, “The Vault.” This group of influential business leaders met within these very walls. They shaped Boston’s urban renewal in the 1950s and ’60s, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s landscape. Today, 100 Franklin Street stands as a proud reminder of its rich past. It has been meticulously maintained and renovated over the years. It continues to house businesses, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Boston’s financial district. This plaque, at 100 Franklin Street, serves as a touchstone. It connects us to the visionaries, the financiers, and the architects who shaped this corner of Boston.