$2.46M JazzUrbane Cafe Set To Revitalize Roxbury’s Nubian Square

A public-private financing package totaling approximately $2.46 million is backing the JazzUrbane Cafe LLC, a new jazz club and restaurant planned for Nubian Square in Roxbury, Boston. Officials announced on Tuesday, March 31, that the project has secured $2.5 million to open the facility.

According to a Boston.com report, the project traces back nearly a decade to founder Bill Banfield, a Berklee professor and record-label owner, who envisioned an urban arts hub with live music, a full restaurant, and event space.

The JazzUrbane Cafe aligns with the city's broader Nubian Square development strategy and sits within the city-owned Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building at 2300 Washington St. The building houses the headquarters of Boston Public Schools and includes Dudley Cafe, Haley House soup kitchen, and several small businesses next to the bus center. 

Arts and community officials view JazzUrbane Cafe as a gathering place that will promote artistic expression and contribute to Roxbury's revitalization of its commercial and cultural district.

“This project demonstrates what is possible through the collaboration of public, private, and philanthropic partners,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, who serves as Chair of MassDevelopment's Board of Directors, in a MassDevelopment news release. “JazzUrbane Cafe will bring a new cultural destination to Nubian Square, expanding access to live music while adding to the neighborhood's rich artistic tradition.”

“Boston's local businesses create vibrancy and community, and bolster the economy in every neighborhood,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement shared with Boston.com. “I'm thrilled to celebrate JazzUrbane's opening in Nubian Square as a new hub of music, economic opportunity, and community.”

MassDevelopment, M&T Bank, the City of Boston, and The Boston Foundation are leading partners supporting the venue as part of wider cultural and economic development efforts.

According to a Boston Real Estate Times report, the financing package includes a $380,000 equipment loan from MassDevelopment, a $1.63 million loan from M&T Bank, $450,000 in credit enhancement from the City of Boston, and a guarantee from The Boston Foundation. The project aims to create 26 full-time jobs.