Originally Published in the Dorchester Reporter.
COLUMBIA CROSSING
The $50 million project, a co-development by Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), will likely be the first project to begin early in the year.
Work crews have been doing soil testing, site work, and securing the existing building for construction work in recent weeks.
The design of the mixed-use building features a glass box dubbed the “Glow Box” art space alongside the preservation of the Dorchester Savings Bank façade, with community space initially tabbed for the long-time community organization Design Studio for Social Intervention (ds4si). The bank building will stay in place next to a new building that will rise above it and contain 48 affordable housing units between 30 and 80 percent AMI with 20 percent set aside for artists.
“Columbia Crossing reflects our community’s vision for affordable homes, dedicated artist housing, and shared space for creative expression,” said Dorchester Bay EDC CEO Kimberly R. Lyle. “It will be a vibrant hub for activity and a source of neighborhood pride in the heart of Uphams Corner, strengthening DBEDC’s commitment to affordability, cultural identity, and stability. The development builds on and invests in Uphams Corner’s status as a rising Arts & Innovation district.”
Aaron Gornstein, a former state housing official who now serves as CEO of POAH, said being the first project sparks much-needed momentum to “advance the goals of the Upham’s Arts & Cultural District.”