At Dorchester’s Strand Theatre, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced a substantial municipal investment in the Upham’s Corner Main Street area’s infrastructure. The $3.1 million project, on behalf of the Mayor’s Office and Department of Public Works, will help boost public safety while revitalizing the neighborhood’s storefronts.

The investment comes just weeks after Mayor Walsh similarly announced an increase in funding for Boston’s 20 Main Street Districts, a $400,000 growth that will be split amongst the districts for $75,000 apiece. That marks a 30 percent increase.

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

Improvements are expected to be fourfold. Twenty new street and sidewalk lights will soon call the area home, the Strand Theatre will see $1.5 million worth of upgrades to its sound and lighting system, 10 storefronts will be rejuvenated, and new arts and culture initiative, like a $500,000 public art commission, will be integrated.

And that’s not all. Long-term projects include a new restaurant to be located right next to the Strand and a 60–unit mixed-income housing development will go up in the former St. Kevin’s Church property.

Dorchester’s Strand Theatre holds plenty of political symbolism when it comes to Mayor Walsh. The local institution was the venue from which Mayor Walsh announced his candidacy to succeed longtime Mayor Tom Menino last year and where he celebrated on election night after vanquishing former City Councilor John Connolly.

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.

Image via Photos by Mike Ritter & Paul Marotta

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