BRAINTREE/DORCHESTER, MA — Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative, Inc. (AHSC) has completed construction of Columbia-Uphams, a newly rehabilitated 91-unit affordable housing community on Columbia Avenue in Dorchester, the organization announced Monday.
The project marks the successful unification and redevelopment of two long-standing affordable housing properties—Columbia West Apartments and Uphams Corner Apartments—into a single, modernized residential community offering studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Several units are designated for special populations.
AHSC first purchased the 45-unit Uphams Corner Apartments in 2018, followed in 2020 by acquiring the 46-unit Columbia West Apartments. The nonprofit, in partnership with its longtime collaborator Peabody Properties, then worked with MassHousing, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), and the City of Boston on a financial restructuring that allowed the two properties to be consolidated into one entity under AHSC’s control.
The redevelopment was financed through a combination of federal and state low-income housing tax credits, historic tax credit equity, and new construction, permanent, and subordinate debt. Peabody Properties will manage the completed Columbia-Uphams community.
“The completion of Columbia-Uphams represents another step forward in our mission to preserve and expand affordable housing,” said Michael Mattos, President and Executive Director of AHSC. “By unifying two long-standing residential communities into one revitalized development, we’re not only enhancing the quality of life for current and future residents, we’re reinforcing our commitment to inclusive, sustainable neighborhoods. We’re grateful for the collaboration with Peabody Properties and our funding partners who helped make this project possible.”
The redevelopment adds to AHSC’s growing portfolio of affordable rental communities across Massachusetts and underscores its continued focus on preservation, community investment, and long-term housing stability.
