Cambridge Savings’ Growth Expands Into Upham’s Corner, Dorchester

Boston — Many transformations within the banking business have caused branch closures and dispositions in Massachusetts and across the country. This began with the boom of digital/online banking, then accelerated during COVID-19, and further compounded over the last few years with the rise of interest rates.

However, Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB) saw the slump as an opportunity to serve in growing neighborhoods, and increase its footprint by adding its 19th branch to the mutual bank’s portfolio, recently opening a “ Corner location in Dorchester—a bilateral prosperity, according to CSB’s CEO.

“Expanding into Dorchester is a strategic step in our ongoing efforts to reach communities with critical financial support. By establishing a presence here, we’re not just opening a bank branch—we’re opening doors of opportunity for local residents and businesses to access personalized tools, build economic resilience, and achieve their goals,” said Ryan Bailey, President and Chief Executive Officer at Cambridge Savings.

The historic Upham’s Corner neighborhood is a vibrant, growing commercial and residential area. It’s known for a diverse and local retail community, steeped in firsts, including being the site of the first supermarket in the United States.

“This new location strengthens our ability to serve one of Boston’s most dynamic markets. It reinforces CSB’s long-term focus on relationship-based commercial banking in neighborhoods where growth and opportunity go hand in hand,” said Ian Brandon, Chief Commercial Banking Officer.

Bailey says the Dorchester branch will subsequently serve as a local hub for financial education, helping to promote community financial literacy and long-term economic empowerment.

Two national bank branches recently closed their doors in the neighborhood, amid a community revitalization plan promoting economic growth, affordable housing, small businesses, and arts & culture. Yet local constituents insist the bustling area needs the services of a locally-grown bank. “As the first true community bank to establish a presence here, CSB understands our values and is committed to investing in the long-term success of our residents and small businesses,” said 5th District State Representative Christopher Worrell.

Flanked by other adjacent flourishing sections within Dorchester, local investors and small businesses have begun hedging on Upham’s Corner growth, a prosperity that Brandon says aligns well with their expansion. “Being physically present in Uphams Corner allows us to deepen our support for the kinds of commercial projects that are vital to the neighborhood, affordable housing, multifamily developments, commercial lending, and mixed-use office and retail spaces.”

Ian Brandon

Ryan Bailey