FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Perry B. Newman, [email protected], (617) 533-9551
Chanie Infante, [email protected], (617) 533-9582
Dorchester Bay Has Begun Restoration of the Historic Pierce Building in Uphams Corner
May 10, 2021 – Boston, Massachusetts –Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC) has begun restoring the iconic Pierce Building in Upham’s Corner and expects the work to be complete in 2022.
The two-phase rehabilitation and historic preservation project will bring new life to Columbia Road with a thorough storefront restoration and new retail tenants, and the provision of incubator space for local arts businesses. The continued expansion of DBEDC’s small business loan program also aligns well with the planned revitalization of Upham’s Corner as an arts and innovation district.
Phase one of the project includes accessibility improvements, façade preservation, and delivery of first floor retail space. The beautiful stone and brick facade will be restored using modern techniques and will prepare this landmark building to stand for another 100 years. DBEDC expects to complete exterior repairs and remove safety scaffolding by July 2021.
The prominent sidewalk-level storefront windows will be replaced with historically accurate windows with faux wood paneling and will increase visibility with the extension of the storefront along the length of Columbia Road. The commercial space will be ready for tenant occupancy by Fall 2021.
“It has long been our goal to restore the Pierce Building so it can serve as a sound and sustainable community resource and an anchor of the Uphams Corner area,” said Perry B. Newman, Chief Executive Officer of DBEDC.
Phase two involves interior modernization to improve the upper stories for an incubator for creative businesses and to support local entrepreneurs.
“With the renovation, the historic Pierce Building will once again serve as a welcoming beacon to residents and visitors arriving in Upham’s Corner,” said K. Beth O’Donnell, Director of Real Estate Development for DBEDC.
The restoration project has been made possible with the funding support of The Life Initiative, LISC, City of Boston Community Preservation Act funds, and the Henderson Foundation.
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About Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation
Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC) is a community development corporation founded by local civic associations in 1979 to address the problems of economic disinvestment, unemployment, crime, community tensions, and the shortage of quality affordable housing undermining Boston’s Dorchester neighborhoods. Over the last 40 years, we have worked in partnership with local leaders and stakeholders to build and preserve 1,100 units of affordable housing and over 200,000 square feet of commercial space, to engage residents in community life, and to support a robust economy through small business support and economic development. The structures we have built are physical manifestations of our work, but at its core, our work is about strengthening our community, which is made up of the people who live and work in our neighborhood.
For more information, visit the DBEDC website at www.dbedc.org, follow us on Twitter @dbedc, like us on Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to our email list.
