About

Learn more about Cabot, Cabot & Forbes and how we’re innovating the real estate & development industry.

Cabot, Cabot & Forbes
New England’s Longest Running Development Firm

Founded in 1904, CC&F is one of the oldest and most distinguished real estate firms in the nation, having developed more than 100 million square feet of commercial space throughout the United States. The firm has led the industry in the redevelopment of key downtown districts of the nation’s leading cities, completing numerous prestigious projects encompassing shopping centers, hotels and residential communities in Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Baltimore.

In Boston, CC&F has been responsible for the planning and construction of prominent Boston landmarks such as One Boston Place, 28 State Street, 100 Summer Street and 60 State Street. CC&F pioneered the development and expansion of key suburban office parks along and within Route-128 such as Instron in Norwood and Riverside Center in Newton, which are flourishing hubs for New England’s growing presence in the technology and healthcare space.

Since 2010, CC&F has acquired, permitted and/or built over 3.4 million square feet and 2,700 units of Office R&D and multifamily real estate in Greater Boston.

For the future, we’re embracing an entrepreneurial, dynamic and fast-paced culture that relies on strong relationships and corporate citizenship. Our goal is to provide clients with innovative and detailed thinking for creative solutions in real estate, development, management and investment — all resulting in strong financial returns within an acceptable spectrum of risk.

CC&F Through the Years

Use the timeline below to learn about Cabot, Cabot & Forbes’ 120 years of business.

1904

CC&F Founded

Cabot, Cabot & Forbes is founded by two members of Boston's Cabot family and F. Murray Forbes, Sr. The firm's initial mandate was to manage the real estate assets of the Cabot and Forbes families.

1940s

CC&F develops one of the first business parks in New England – characterized by a phased, market responsive building program, preservation of natural site amenities, and consistent design standards – quickly becoming the prototype for business parks worldwide.

1948

1948

New England Industrial Center

CC&F's earliest landmark venture was the development of New England Industrial Center on 300 acres of land in Needham, Massachusetts. At the time, the development of New England Industrial Center was the largest master-planned industrial project in the country.

1950s

CC&F Starts Real Estate Development Business

By the early 1950's, under the leadership of Alexander C. Forbes and Gerald W. Blakeley Jr., the firm enters the real estate development business.

1956

National Expansion Program Led by Blakeley

Blakeley purchases all of CC&F and leads the firm on a national expansion program. Blakeley also pioneers the development of premier industrial office parks, many located along Boston's Route 128.

1960s

Early 1960 Cabot, Cabot & Forbes History

1966

In a joint venture with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, CC&F develops the four building, 625,000 SF Technology Square in Cambridge.

1970

CC&F completes 28 State Street, a 40 story modern skyscraper which seemlessly blends its design with surrounding historical landmarks.

1970

One Boston Place Project Completed

CC&F develops One Boston Place, a 41 story office tower. Characterized by its distinctive exterior and unusual rooftop design, the building becomes a prominent part of the Boston skyline.

1974

100 Summer Street Project Completed

100 Summer Street, a 32 story office tower with unique bronze windows strategically located in downtown Boston is completed.

1977

CC&F completes development of 60 State Street, a 38 story, 11 sided office tower located in the heart of Boston's Financial District.

1979

Field Enterprises, Inc. owned by the Field family of Chicago, acquires a controlling interest in CC&F.

1980s

CC&F becomes a leader in developing build-to-suit properties

CC&F becomes a leader in developing build-to-suit properties for national and international companies, including IBM/Lotus, Genzyme, Eisai Pharmaceuticals, CSC, Symantec, AMD, and BNY Mellon.

1981