One Post Office Square Repositioning

Boston’s office market increasingly demands that building owners reimagine their assets rather than replace them. As newer towers reshape the Financial District skyline and tenant expectations evolve, 1980s-era buildings face a critical choice: modernize or decline. One Post Office Square, a Class A office tower, reached an inflection point amid shifting market demands and aging infrastructure. The owner reinvested proactively, positioning the iconic, centrally located tower to attract a modern workforce and maximize the value of a premier site.

A comprehensive core-and-shell renovation repositions the postmodern tower, balancing architectural presence, performance, and long-term flexibility. A striking new façade, expanded tenant amenities, and activated street-level public spaces reinforce the building’s civic role. Phased construction minimized disruption, enabling simultaneous tenant occupancy, while an 18‑story addition expanded lower-level floorplates. The repositioning adds 200,000 square feet of usable area while elevating the building’s presence on the skyline.

By prioritizing reinvestment over replacement, One Post Office Square demonstrates how existing buildings can deliver long-term value while advancing sustainability goals. The repositioning strategy achieved a 44% reduction in embodied carbon and strong market performance, with 80% of the building leased prior to construction completion. High-performance building systems — including a four-pipe active chilled beam system and a triple-glazed façade — substantially improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and access to daylight.