Filene's Basement, the historic Massachusetts discounter, shut its doors for good in December 2011. Lead developer Millennium Partners is now on the verge of re-starting construction on the site, which has left a gaping hole in the center of the citys shopping district, undermining its recovery.
The $620 million development of homes, offices, and stores could resume by early April 2013, with a first phase of work that will convert the original eight-story Filenes store into an office and retail complex, possibly with a grocery store.
Here is a look back at the history of Filene's and its site.