The industrial silhouette that has defined the corner of Franklin Street for nearly a century is set to disappear. A demolition permit filed late last week targets the multi-level building at 180 Franklin St in the 01702 ZIP code, home to the historic Roberts Company operations.
This filing marks the final step in a rapid turnover for the property. Just three weeks ago, on November 2, the site changed hands for $660,000, a steep drop from its July listing price of $925,000. The sale to 180 Franklin Street LLC, brokered by Gordon Real Estate, appears to have triggered an immediate plan to clear the 1925 structure.
The permit, submitted on November 20, authorizes the complete removal of the existing commercial building, classified under code 401C. While the specific plans for the vacant lot have not yet been disclosed, the speed of the transaction suggests the new owners intend to redevelop the site for a different use, moving quickly from purchase to demolition.
For the surrounding neighborhood, the loss of the Roberts Company building removes a fixture of local industrial history. The site's rapid transition from a $925,000 listing to a demolition order indicates that the market for this specific type of warehousing space may be shifting, or that the new owners see greater value in a fresh build.
Residents wishing to track the next phase of this project can monitor the city's official records portal. The filing status is currently active, and further details regarding future development plans will likely emerge once the demolition is complete.
View the full demolition permit record on the Framingham city portal.