The City of Boston and Partners Celebrate Start of Construction on Columbia Crossing in Upham's Corner

The City of Boston today broke ground on the renovation and construction of Columbia Crossing, a new mixed-use, transit-oriented development in Upham's Corner. The Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), in partnership with the Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC), will redevelop the historic Dorchester Savings Bank building and adjacent lot into approximately 86,000 square feet of affordable housing, retail, and community arts space.

"Columbia Crossing represents the best of community-driven development," said Chief of Housing Sheila A. Dillon. "By transforming this historic site into affordable homes and vibrant public art spaces, we're ensuring that Upham's Corner continues to grow as a place where residents can live and create community together."

The project includes the renovation of the former Dorchester Savings Bank building and construction of a new six-story addition, creating 48 income-restricted affordable rental homes for residents earning a range of incomes. Approximately 20 percent of the homes will be reserved for artists through the City's Artist Housing Certification program, and residents will have access to 2,000 square feet of shared arts amenity space.

The development will also include 4,500 square feet of new commercial space for community-centered arts and innovation businesses, supporting the City's vision for Upham's Corner as an Arts and Innovation District. A key design feature, known as the "Glow Box," will serve as a display and performance area within the restored bank building that opens to the street for public events.

"It's always exciting to be able to celebrate new affordable housing going into construction, especially when that development will add new uses that will reinforce this area of Dorchester as a place for art and innovation," said Chief of Planning Kairos Shen. "I am excited to see this new mix of uses come to fruition in the community, especially through the adaptive reuse of the historic and iconic Dorchester Savings Bank."

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"POAH is proud to partner with Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation, DSNI, the City of Boston, and the Upham's Corner community on this opportunity to create new affordable rental housing and advance the goals of the Upham's Arts & Cultural District," said Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO of POAH.

"Columbia Crossing advances a clear community vision for Upham's Corner," said Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation CEO Kimberly R. Lyle. "Residents here have spent years making clear that development must serve the people who already call this neighborhood home. By integrating permanently affordable homes with dedicated arts space on community-owned land, Columbia Crossing proves that affordability, cultural identity, and community ownership aren't competing priorities. They are the standard for what community-driven development should look like in Boston."

The land for the project is owned by Dudley Neighbors Inc. (DNI), an affiliate of Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI), which will retain ownership through a long-term ground lease. Following an extensive community engagement process involving neighborhood stakeholders, DNI selected the POAH-DBEDC team through a competitive Request for Proposals process. The Mayor's Office of Housing supported DNI's acquisition of the property with a $1.4 million loan, and The Life Initiative provided predevelopment financing for the project.

"MassHousing is pleased to be a partner in this transformative effort that will bring new, affordable rental homes to residents with a range of incomes and advance the expansion of arts and innovation in Uphams Corner," said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay.

The Columbia Crossing development is made possible through funding from the Mayor's Office of Housing, the Community Preservation Fund, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), MassHousing, MassDevelopment, Mass Housing Partnership, and The Life Initiative.

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"Columbia Crossing reflects the kind of collaborative, transit-oriented development that strengthens neighborhoods and expands housing opportunity," said the Executive Director, Massachusetts Housing Partnership, Rachel Heller. "We're proud to partner with the City of Boston, POAH, and Dorchester Bay to help deliver high-quality affordable homes that allow residents to remain and thrive in the neighborhood."

Columbia Crossing is designed to meet Passive House standards and will feature an all-electric heating and cooling system, supporting Boston's goals for carbon neutrality and sustainability. The project's design is a collaboration between Stull & Lee, Inc. and Moody Nolan.

"Boston's Community Preservation Fund supports projects that protect community character while creating opportunities for residents," said Director of Community Preservation Office, Thadine Brown. "Columbia Crossing reflects the goals of the program—preserving historic spaces, expanding affordable housing, and investing in vibrant neighborhoods."

Under Mayor Michelle Wu's leadership, Boston has made historic progress toward creating and preserving homes that residents can afford. Since the start of her first term, the City has produced or begun construction on more than 18,000 new homes, including thousands of income-restricted units. The Mayor has launched new policies to make it easier, faster, and less expensive to build housing across every neighborhood.  In addition to the production of new housing, Mayor Wu has also directed record levels of investment to expand affordable homeownership, and support renters and homeowners who face housing instability.

Through innovative programs like the Housing Accelerator Fund, Welcome Home Boston, and the Housing with Public Assets initiative, the City is finding new ways to create housing on public land, convert vacant buildings into homes, and support residents in building wealth and stability. The Mayor's focus on climate and health has also made Boston a national leader in green and energy-efficient housing. Together, these efforts are helping to make Boston a city where every resident can have a safe, stable, and affordable home, and where communities can grow stronger for generations to come.

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