About
Us

History

DotHouse Health was originally built as a settlement house, a community resource dedicated to serving Boston’s immigrant population and other underserved communities. Initially created as a boy’s institution, with quarters at 7 Gordon Place in Fields Corner, the programs were expanded to include activities for all ages and genders.  As a settlement house, we were widely known during the first 20 years as “Gordon House.” In November 1909, the institution was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the “Dorchester House” for the purpose of industrial, educational and charitable work as well as for the establishment and maintenance of reading rooms, library and social meetings.

 

On January 31, 1942, DotHouse Health moved to its current location at 1353 Dorchester Avenue. Nearly two acres of land bordering Ellet Street, Dorchester Avenue and Leedsville Street were acquired, and a large building was renovated for our permanent home. In 1974, on this same site, the new DotHouse Health Multi-Service Center was built, with a comprehensive health center, a pre-school/day care center and a community center. The demand for health services was so great that in 1978 we added a second floor, which allowed us to expand our medical and behavioral health services and also add a dental department.

 

In 2002, DotHouse Health completed a 2-year project in which the existing health center was completely renovated. The project expanded what had been a 2-story health center with 19 exam rooms into a 3-story, modern facility with nearly 40 clinical exam rooms. This increase in space allowed for new services including mammography, an expanded Eye Clinic and a new Dental Clinic with 7 chairs. A 25,000 square foot addition was also added to the front of the building on Dorchester Avenue. The new addition features broad expanses of windows and store front accessibility. The interior of the new addition is designed to be bright and accessible.

The 3-story atrium, with its welcoming banners in 7 languages and corner café invites people to sit and relax. Waiting rooms are awash with natural light and provide comfortable seating.

 

In 2011, DotHouse Health completed $11 million, 17,000 square foot expansion. This project added 15 exam rooms for Primary Care and Urgent Care and also doubled the size of our Pharmacy and Laboratory. This important project was supported by $7 million in federal stimulus funding.

 

Today, DotHouse Health continues its role as the healthcare hub for the community, with over 22,000 patients and 116,000 annual visits. We work hard to adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare environment and are dedicated to serving this community for years to come.

 

Click here for a publication from the University of Massachusetts Boston exploring the history of DotHouse Health.