History

High Street Place dates back to 1930, where the current indoor atrium space was once a road named High Street Place. 160 Federal Street was originally built for the United Shoe Machinery Corporation headquarters, and became Boston’s first skyscraper. The United Shoe Machinery Corporation was an industrial leader in the shoe and leatherworking industry, which dominated the economic life of Massachusetts and the New England region at the time. 160 Federal Street is an Art Deco National Historic Landmark class A office tower. During the development of 150 Federal Street (which is now 100 High Street,) the atrium space between the properties was developed from the High Street Place roadway into a five-story office atrium connecting the two class A office buildings, 100 High Street and 160 Federal Street. This space became a 20,000 square foot retail opportunity. In April 2017, Rockpoint Group purchased 100 High Street and 160 Federal Street from two separate property owners, envisioning an upscale amenity for the office tenants in Boston’s Financial District. Bringing the properties under common ownership was pivotal in redeveloping the atrium space into what is now the High Street Place food hall. With the world-class design team led by Gensler (Boston, MA) and Groundswell Design Group (Philadelphia, PA), High Street Place evokes its history as a bustling street with nooks, crannies, and a beautiful marriage between indoor – outdoor.  A soaring green wall serves as one of the space’s signature design elements; and in the warmer months, the space offers a retractable wall system to create an open-air dining and outdoor patio experience. By design, High Street Place encourages exploration.  The food hall has six entrances, as well as twists and turns for guests to meander through the space and discover new menu items, choosing the ambiance that suits their mood. Each food vendor has personalized their stall in a way that best suits their concept, personality and creativity. Throughout the space, street signs and Art Deco details (brushed brass sconces, custom stone, marble work) pay tribute to the building’s original design features. Leather banquettes, community tables and bar-style perches offer ample seating, as well as, gathering spaces for private events and pop-up vendors.

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