The contractor was the city's Turner Construction, the building sheathed in Berea Sandstone from northeast Ohio.

As of 2004[update], 17 buildings are taller, yet it remains an easily recognized Boston landmark, familiar to commuters crossing the Charles River.

In addition to regular offices, the top 26th floor also accommodated two observation areas looking out over the Boston skyline.

It is also the home of the Back Bay Events Center: this two-part structure is the John Hancock Hall proper and the Dorothy Quincy Suite (a single room, capacity of approximately 900.)

This is the annual site of the Massachusetts High School Drama Guild One-Act Festival's State Finals.