Welcome to John Hancock, Please Write Small
On repurposing 'freedom' for commercial means.
Originally published 3/22/22. No changes.
This is 200 Clarendon Street in Boston's Back Bay.
It's the tallest building in Boston, looming over Copley Place, Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.
Back when I was a bike messenger in Boston, in the early years of the new millenium, this building was known as the John Hancock Tower, because John Hancock Financial was the major tenant. (This patriotic company has since been purchased by a Canadian firm.)
Despite it's sleek lobby and the stunning views from the upper floors, I always hated visiting the Hancock Tower.