flagship store for William Filene and Sons'

regional retail empire, this was the renowned Mid-

western city planner's last major building. The

decorative treatmant of the cornices and window

mass in the Beaux Arts style reflect the influ-

ence of the Chicago School of design

From a small shop begun in 1852,

Polish-born William Filene brought his progressive

retail ideas to Boston in 1881. The early depart-

ment store created an atmosphere of fine specialty

shops. Filene's has been know since for retailing

innovations.