New Jazz Club and Restaurant Planned for Nubian Square in Roxbury

March 26, 2026

Kiara Ford, 978-844-1380
kford@massdevelopment.com

BOSTON – MassDevelopment has partnered with M&T Bank, The City of Boston, and The Boston Foundation to provide a $2,460,000 financing package for Jazz Urbane Cafe LLC, which will use funds to launch a national jazz club and restaurant and create new jobs in Nubian Square in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood.

The financing package includes a $380,000 equipment loan provided by MassDevelopment as well as a guarantee to enhance the financing package; a $1,630,000 in loan financing provided by M&T Bank; $450,000 in credit enhancement provided by the City of Boston; and a guarantee provided by The Boston Foundation.

“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. “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,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. "I’m thrilled to celebrate JazzUrbane’s opening in Nubian Square as a new hub of music, economic opportunity, and community."

JazzUrbane Cafe is leasing approximately 8,000 square feet of space on the first floor of the City of Boston-owned Bruce C. Bolling Building at 2300 Washington St. and expects to create 26 new full-time jobs through this project.

“MassDevelopment is pleased to support the launch of JazzUrbane Cafe in Nubian Square as it brings more music, dining, and economic activity to the heart of Roxbury’s commercial and cultural district,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “We are grateful to M&T Bank, the City of Boston, and The Boston Foundation for their partnership in making this financing package possible.”

“M&T Bank is proud to invest in this public-private partnership that will create a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Roxbury where musicians can master their craft and the community can enjoy world-class cuisine, music and the arts,” said Jeff Carpenter, M&T Bank’s Interim President in Massachusetts.  “M&T and our business banking team are committed to strengthening neighborhoods, fostering connections, and supporting visionary businesses like The Jazz Urbane Café, LLC. We are here to support local business owners at every stage of their journey, whether launching a new venture or growing an existing one.”

“With its location and historic facade, JazzUrbane will help shape the heart of Nubian Square,” said Orlando Watkins, Vice President and Chief Program Officer at The Boston Foundation. “The Boston Foundation, through its Business Equity Fund, is proud to be able to stand in support of the new café as part of our ongoing work to bring together the arts, business, cultural, education, housing and community resources that together can form the core of a vibrant and accessible community. Using impact investing, grant making and our other resources, we are excited to partner with our donors to help power JazzUrbane as part of the next era for Boston’s urban core.”

JazzUrbane Cafe will serve as an urban arts and dining venue that spotlights local and national artists who define and celebrate the diverse cultural traditions that make Boston a unique and global city.

“We believe our company will be a force in contributing to how the next iterations of cultural development in Boston will be implemented,” said JazzUrbane Cafe Arts Director Bill Banfield. “The JazzUrbane Cafe is positioned at the center of Nubian, in the heartbeat of the city, where we can serve and uplift the soul of our great city and be a temple for the entire community. Our mission successfully bridges high value arts, food service, innovation and community partnerships.”

MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, delivers financing solutions, real estate expertise, and other assistance to strengthen and grow the Massachusetts economy. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, developers, banks, and municipalities, providing resources to help create jobs, build housing, and foster vibrant communities across the state. During FY2025, MassDevelopment financed or managed 409 projects generating investment of more than $4.65 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 25,246 jobs and build or preserve 2,867 housing units.
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