The City of Boston has announced its financial support for a mixed-use, mixed-income development in the Upham’s Corner neighborhood. Called Columbia Crossing, the project will repurpose the historic Dorchester Savings Bank building and adjacent parking lot into an approximately 86,000-square-foot residential, commercial, and retail complex.

The scheme will be developed by nonprofit developer Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) in partnership with the Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC), a nonprofit Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) based in Upham’s Corner. The endeavor will consist of the construction of a new six-story building addition to the back of the existing Dorchester Savings Bank as well as the adaptive reuse of the bank building. Stull & Lee, Inc. and Moody Nolan are partnering on the architecture. 

POAH and DBEDC were chosen through a competitive, community-driven RFP process led by Dudley Neighbors Inc. (DNI), a local community land trust and the site’s landowner. 

“POAH is proud to partner with Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation, DSNI, and the Upham’s Corner Community on this outstanding opportunity to create new, affordable rental housing in the neighborhood and advance the goals of the Upham’s Arts & Cultural District,” said POAH President and CEO Aaron Gornstein.

Columbia Crossing will feature up to 48 units of income-restricted affordable rental housing, designated between 30% and 80% Area Median Income. Around 20% of the units will be reserved for artists under the City of Boston’s Artist Housing Certification program, and there will be 2,000 square feet of arts amenity space for resident use. 

The development will also include 4,500 square feet of commercial space, with a priority for community-centered arts and innovation entities. The revamped bank building will feature a new display space called the Glow Box, which can be converted into an indoor-outdoor space. 

The building will feature an all-electric heating and cooling system and incorporate passive house standards in line with Boston’s resiliency, sustainability, and carbon-neutral 2050 goals.