Thursday

07-17-2025 Vol 2024

Historic Hancock House in Boston Up for Sale, Seeking Enthusiastic New Owner

The Hancock House, a significant historical landmark in Boston, is currently on the market, capturing the attention of potential buyers interested in preserving its rich heritage.

Located at 10 Marshall Street in the historic Blackstone Block, the property is being sold by the Swartz family, represented by commercial real estate broker Dave Killen of LandVest.

Killen described the house’s interior details as irreplicable, highlighting the importance of protecting such significant historical pieces as the city continues to develop vertically.

Dating back to the mid-18th century, the Hancock House is recognized as the 27th oldest building in Boston.

According to Joseph M. Bagley, a city archeologist and author of “Boston’s Oldest Buildings and Where to Find Them,” the Hancock House was acquired by the law firm of Swartz & Swartz after it had been left vacant due to a serious car accident that nearly destroyed the building’s storefront in the 1970s.

As Killen noted, the significant histories of properties like the Hancock House are essential to maintaining the character of an evolving urban landscape filled with modern developments.

According to Killen, the potential for mixed-use development including retail, office space, and possibly even a residential unit on the third floor makes the property appealing.

However, detailed information about the asking price remains undisclosed, although the property is assessed at $1.6 million by the city. It has been available on the market for about eight months.

The origins of the Hancock House trace back to John Hancock, a founding father known for his prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence.

Inherited from his uncle in 1763, Hancock purchased additional land nearby and built a residence that would later be occupied by his brother Ebenezer.

While John Hancock gained fame and influence, Ebenezer Hancock was viewed less favorably by some, marginalized to the point of being described as a

image source from:bostonglobe

Benjamin Clarke