Mayor Walsh announces increased funding for Upham's Corner Main Street

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston's Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced a major investment of $3.1 million in Upham’s Corner Main Street to improve area streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. The project will increase pedestrian and traffic safety, and provide well-marked signage to enhance the visibility of local landmarks.

“Improving our commercial districts as cultural icons are top priorities for my administration,” said Mayor Walsh. “This investment gives more reasons for the people of this community to come out and enjoy all that Upham’s Corner has to offer.”

Upham’s Corner Main Street is a commercial district serving approximately 14,000 neighborhood residents, 134 businesses, commuters, and local employees. The project begins on Columbia Road from Davern Street through Hamlet Street.

Public investments include:

• A new signalized pedestrian crossing, roadway and sidewalk improvements, increased pedestrian space, directional signage, and 20 new street and sidewalk lights
• A $1.5 million sound and lighting system  for the Strand Theatre to attract additional high quality performances and drive more foot traffic into the commercial district
• Restoration of 10 Upham’s Corner Main Street storefronts through the Boston Main Streets ReStore Program
• New arts and cultural programming in the neighborhood through the Upham’s Corner ArtPlace initiative,  including a $500,000 public art commission from the Boston Foundation and Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative

Other private investments in the neighborhood will include a new restaurant, which will replace a long-term vacancy next to the Strand Theater, and a 60–unit mixed-income housing development in the former St. Kevin’s Church property.