Initiatives

In addition to its core programs, Upham’s Corner Main Street leads a variety of targeted initiatives designed to strengthen the district’s economic vitality and deepen community connections. These initiatives are responsive, action-oriented projects that address specific needs or emerging opportunities in the neighborhood.

Beautification Initiatives

Upham’s Corner Main Street leads a number of beautification initiatives aimed at enhancing the visual appeal and vibrancy of the Upham’s Corner district. These efforts include public art installations, community clean-ups, graffiti removal, and events that celebrate and improve the neighborhood’s aesthetics.

Each initiative is designed to foster pride of place, engage local residents and businesses, and create a more welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit Upham’s Corner. To further support these efforts and inform our action plan for enhancing visual appeal and vibrancy, we are launching the Upham’s Corner Cleanliness Portal.

Mural: All About Boston, created by Luke Barosky is painted on a detached six car garage.
Bank of America Building with InPublic Art Installation. Photographer: Keiko Hiromi
Mural: Family Who We Choose: We have Agency to build the family we choose, guided by our spirituality, vulnerability, and pre-colonial traditions. Artists for Humanity: Tony Perez, Janelin Pineyro, Nina Henry, Angelina Nguyen, Karen Huynh, Jenny Nguyen, and Gloria Fadel El Said.

Upham’s Corner Dining Guide

Available in both digital and hard copy formats, the Upham’s Corner Dining Guide promotes the rich mix of cuisines in the district from a multitude of ethnicities. The guide lists the names and addresses of each restaurant, plus an easy to use map for navigation.

  • View and download the dining guide HERE

Upham’s Corner Working Advisory Group (WAG)

Upham’s Corner Main Street is part of the Working Advisory Group, which  is a City-appointed team of residents, business owners, advocates, and community leaders who play an active role in shaping the future of Upham’s Corner. Meeting regularly, the group helps guide the content of public meetings and reviews community feedback to ensure local voices are reflected in planning efforts of large residential, commercial, and mixed-use development projects.

Current development projects in the district include:

  • 555-559 Columbia Road 
  • 572 Columbia Road (Columbia Crossing)
  • Municipal parking Lot

More information on the group roles and responsibilities HERE

Retail Selection Tenant Guide for Property Owners

Our community identified five types of retail establishments essential for achieving the vision for Upham’s Corner as an arts and culture district (Upham’s Corner Retail Priorities, May 2018).  Property owners are encouraged to consider these priorities when selecting tenants for retail properties in Upham’s Corner. Some developers have already made a commitment to use this data to select retail tenants for major upcoming developments in the district. 

View and download the Retail Selection Tenant Guide for Property Owners HERE