Main Street, Inc. – Upham’s Corner

Upham’s Corner Main Street is a community-led nonprofit working to build a vibrant commercial district in Upham’s Corner, a busy Dorchester town center anchored by the historic Strand Theatre. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in the district by helping neighborhood businesses thrive. Its work includes a dining guide to local restaurants and small business resources and technical assistance, and its site follows the Columbia Road Transportation Action Plan initiative and the Upham’s Corner Historic District.

The organization formed in 1995 when residents, merchants and civic leaders joined forces to plan and manage the revitalization of the business district, with goals of creating permanent jobs and a retail mix that serves residents. It follows the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street approach, focused on design, economic restructuring, organization and promotion. Each fall, staff and volunteers plant flowers and greenery across the district during the annual Love Your Block event.

What to Know

• It is part of the Boston Main Streets network.
• A volunteer board, project committees, an executive director and part-time staff run the organization.
• Community meetings and events are posted on its calendar for anyone who wants to volunteer.
• It shares City of Boston resources on starting, growing and closing a business, including language access services.