50 Post Office Square (Boston, Massachusetts)

 office building, high-rise, Art Deco (architecture), 1947_construction

The Classic Art Deco tower at 185 Franklin street described the so-called wedding cake style building, was the domain of one company, a place most people did not enter unless they worked for New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. or its successor, Verizon Communications Inc.

Recently a dramatic change. Its new owner begins a $35 million renovation adding a large glass lobby on one side, and on the other, outdoor seating and space for restaurants and stores overlooking the park in Post Office Square.

In addition to its architectural style, the Franklin Street building was known for the striking 160-foot mural in its lobby, which pays homage to telephone operators who toiled there for decades. Verizon removed the mural at the owner’s request and is consulting with museums and other institutions to find a new location to display it.

A new exterior glass lobby designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects will replace a loading dock on High Street. The Franklin Street entrance will be fitted with large glass windows; this side of the building will also host two restaurants and a retail store. Tenants have not been named but the owners expect a financial services firm to occupy the retail space.