By Gage Vieno
Reporter Fellow
After years of planning, community meetings, and financing, officials, developers, and residents gathered Monday morning at the Strand Theatre to celebrate the groundbreaking of Columbia Crossing, a 48-unit mixed-use development that leaders say represents the next major step in the revitalization of Uphams Corner.
The project — right across the street from the Strand — will transform the former Dorchester Savings Bank building into a housing development featuring affordable apartments and special studio space for artists, with a “glow box” gallery structure added to the current building that will be used as a neighborhood amenity.
The project was originally approved by the Boston Planning Department’s board in November 2022. The co-developers are Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH).
According to Gene Clerkin, Senior Vice President of project partner Citizens Bank, Columbia Crossing carries an estimated total development cost of approximately $50 million, with $35 million for construction costs.
Officials have not announced a firm completion date for the project and construction timelines remain listed as to be determined.
Jennifer Maddox, Deputy Secretary at the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, said the project addresses one of Massachusetts’ most pressing challenges.
“The Commonwealth needs 220,000 units of housing in order for the state to meet our housing needs,” Maddox said.
She described Columbia Crossing as “a clever solution” that combines historic preservation, affordable housing, and community investment by adapting the former bank building instead of replacing it.
“This adaptive reuse of a former bank takes a beautiful space and preserves it for an entire community,” she said.
Kimberly Lyle, CEO of Dorchester Bay EDC, spoke about the long-term community vision behind the project and the years of planning that led to its approval.
Lyle said Columbia Crossing reflects sustained collaboration to shape Uphams Corner as an arts and innovation district anchored by the Strand Theatre.
“Columbia Crossing advances a clear community vision for Uphams Corner,” said Lyle.
Boston’s Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon, who began her career at Dorchester Bay EDC, called the groundbreaking especially meaningful.
“It’s not only a celebration of desperately needed housing,” said Dillon. “We’re celebrating the hard work and the vision of the Uphams Corner residents. Columbia Crossing really exemplifies and demonstrates [that].”
Dillon said Columbia Crossing stands apart because of the extensive community involvement that shaped it.
“Projects like this just don’t happen,” said Dillon. “We worked very closely with the community to really do what they wanted, to do what they felt was going to make Uphams Corner stronger than it already is.”
Boston City Councillor John Fitzgerald said the development’s impact extends well beyond the building itself.
“Forty-eight units—that’s 48 lives changed,” Fitzgerald said. “Everything is almost right here on this corner to allow you to raise a good family.”
State Rep. Christopher Worrell described the groundbreaking as a “full-circle moment,” recalling interactions he had with Dorchester residents regarding Columbia Crossing during his first campaign.
“Housing means stability,” said Worrell. “Housing means opportunity, housing means families.”
