Affordable housing and commercial development are vital tools for revitalizing and growing strong communities.
Dorchester Bay leads the way in providing affordable housing and commercial space that allows residents to remain, grow, and thrive in Upham’s Corner. Please reach out to our Real Estate team with any questions.
Our Current Projects
Columbia Crossing
Columbia Crossing is a mixed-use, transit-oriented development proposed by Dorchester Bay and POAH for the former Dorchester Savings Bank site on Columbia Road. Selected through a competitive Request for Proposal issued by the landowner, Dudley Neighbors Incorporated, Columbia Crossing will rehabilitate the historic Dorchester Savings Bank building and replace an existing addition with a premier presentation space referred to as the Glow Box, for arts, culture, and other community-oriented commercial tenants, contributing to Upham’s Corner as an Arts & Innovation District anchored by the Strand Theatre (located across the street). The project will produce 48 new affordable rental units, including artist housing and associated arts amenity space. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
Naturally Occuring Affordable Housing
DBEDC’s long-term strategy is to protect Dorchester’s community assets, with a focus on the multi-family homes that are vital resources increasingly at risk of purchase by outside investors. DBEDC’s targeted acquisition and preservation efforts prevent steep rent increases and upgrade building safety, energy efficiency, and long-term habitability. DBEDC’s recent acquisition of a four-unit building on W. Cottage Street secured long-term housing for its senior tenants, including one resident who has lived there for more than two decades. These interventions offer immediate stability and protect the continuity of neighborhood life as long-time residents face unprecedented displacement pressures. DBEDC is currently working on acquiring several other properties in Dorchester.
Our Approach:
- We engage community members to envision and plan projects that complement the neighborhood and address local needs
- We actively pursue residential and commercial development to serve the dynamic and changing needs of our service area
- Partnering with our Small Business and Resident and Community Engagement teams, we engage local residents in the planning processes for affordable housing and commercial space for local businesses.
- We aim to stabilize neighborhood assets and create opportunities for affordable housing, wealth building, job creation and local economic development.
Since 1979 Dorchester Bay has built or preserved:
Over 1,200 units of affordable housing
Over 40,000 sq ft of commercial space
On the Map: DBEDC Real Estate Portfolio
“Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corp has been an outstanding partner on the Indigo Block development. Throughout our partnership since 2015, there is one constant theme that I’ve observed – the people in their organization are truly passionate about providing housing and economic development opportunities to the Dorchester community. The group brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and positive energy to these efforts. We are thrilled to be part of a team with Dorchester Bay.”
—Richard Mazzocchi, Boston Capital Development Managing Director
Our Team
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Susan ChuChief Real Estate Officer -
Briana KanReal Estate Project Manager -
Tim KardatzkeReal Estate Project Manager -
Kimberly Williams-EtienneAsset Manager
Our Partners
