About Us

In 1989 Les Hubbard purchased the first building which was the Walpole Village Store. The restoration took four years to complete. John Cooper’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop held its grand opening on May 14, 1994. This was the start of the revitalization in the center of Walpole.

The Walpole Foundation was founded with the help of Attorneys Charles DeGrandpre and Alexandra Breed. The 501c3 non profit status was obtained in 2004. The Walpole Foundation is a private operating foundation.

The business model for The Walpole Foundation is based on the long-term sustainability provided by rental revenue from its properties. The properties are set up as Limited Liability Corporations that pay property taxes and contribute to the financial stability of the town.

Buildings that have been renovated provide business and residential occupancy. Reasonably priced housing that allows workers and employees to live in town is one of the The Walpole Foundation’s goals.

The Walpole Village Store has served as a local cafe throughout the years; the gas station/convenience store is still a gas station/convenience store. The bank has remained a bank and shares with the Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic. The fire station is now professional office space and residential units upstairs.

The Walpole Foundation has helped to stabilize the downtown. Others have purchased historic buildings and done the same making the town of Walpole a desirable place to live and work.