Update on Downtown Construction
Concrete progress being made on two major building projects
18 August 2024
Two major downtown Walpole building construction projects continue to progress as part of the town center’s continued vitalization efforts.
Architectural drawing of construction project at 931 Main Street, former location of Santander bank.
At 931 Main. St., the former Santander Bank building has taken shape into a three-story structure that could be completed by mid-October 2024, according to Donnell Murphy, of Walpole-based J.D. Murphy Real Estate. The new mixed-use building will consist of nine one-bedroom apartments at approximately 600 sq. ft. each, as well as 1,200 sq. ft. commercial space on the first floor. New England Construction, a Rumford, R.I.-based construction services company, serves as the primary construction contractor.
At this writing, no new businesses are yet slated to move into the bottom floor, according to Murphy.
“We’ve had some interest, but nothing has (officially) been leased for the first floor,” said Murphy.
The building, at the corner of Main and East Streets, is the third downtown renovation Murphy’s business has developed in the past few years – the first two being the renovated multi-unit retail space at 968 Main Street that houses Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill, and the two-story colonial-style professional office building complex at 7 West St.
“I am hoping others follow,” said Murphy. ”We are in a bit of a rejuvenation, downtown, and we are doing our part.”
James Crowley, building commissioner for the Town of Walpole, said the “progress (of 931 Main St.) has been good.” The building permit was granted on Nov. 5, 2023 with groundbreaking taking place on Dec. 21, 2023. The project could be completed within a year of both of those milestone dates.
Architectural drawing of construction project at 979 Main Street, former Bank of America site.
Dmitry Deych, of Walpole Development Partners, revealed that the former Bank of America site at 979 Main St. should be completed by spring 2025. The project consists of a three-story overbuild atop the existing commercial space with amenities and exterior balcony spaces. With structural modifications and additions, life safety and utility upgrades comprising the major construction work, the four-story mixed-use building will ultimately consist of eight 900 sq. ft. residential condo units and 6,000 sq. ft of first floor and basement space for office, restaurant or retail use. Walpole Cooperative Bank has fully financed the project, according to Deych.
While no commercial business leases have officially been signed, there has been interest in that part of the property, said Deych.
Walpole Development Partners took over from the original development firm, Providence, R.I.-based HUS Companies in January of 2022 and found the rebuild of this building constructed in the 1950s to be a challenge, according to Deych. The property has been vacant since this Bank of America location closed in late 2019.
“This (project) was basically a retrofit,” said Deych. “We had to start from the ground up when demolition was performed. We found an existing part of the building that was not sustainable.”
Deych said, however, that his company has gotten “through most of the problems” and the completed project “will look like what’s on the illustration.”
He added,” The goal has been to build back up and keep the original feel intact with up-to-date new codes.”
As one familiar with the Walpole area and a believer in the town’s progress, Deych looks forward to the completed project as part of Walpole’s growth.
“I grew up in this area and have done other local projects and truly believe in the town’s prosperity and great long term potential,” said Deych. “That’s why we took on this project.”
-Spotlight article contributed by Eric Hurwitz
