Retreat Farm purchases Grafton Cheese facility | Business

BRATTLEBORO — The Retreat Farm is one step closer to attaining its goal of creating a regional center on its campus on Route 30 after purchasing the former Grafton Village Company building from the Windham Foundation.

“Retreat Farm seeks to create a center that will highlight the importance and strength of our regional system in an approachable, accessible way,” said Kristin Sullivan, who took over as executive director in October, in a news statement announcing the $2.25 million purchase of the building built in 2008 as a production facility and retail outlet. “We’re excited to work toward showcasing production and providing a retail experience that recognizes the cultural importance of food, educates visitors about diverse foodways, highlights a variety of cuisines and products, and connects people to the farmers who steward the land.”

The purchase was made possible through $3 million in congressionally directed funds, formerly known as earmarks, designated by Sen. Patrick Leahy.

The additional $750,000 will be used for infrastructure improvements and other renovations. The Retreat Farm also recently received a $1.4 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration to pay for the conversion of a former dairy barn into a meeting and event space.

Grafton Village will continue to be the primary tenant of the building, maintaining its retail store, warehouse, and cut-and-wrap facility through at least 2023, according to the statement. making will continue at its facility in Grafton.

“This is the best outcome for GVC, the building and the community,” said Bob Donald, CEO of the Windham Foundation. “We look forward to maintaining a presence in Brattleboro during the transition, and working with Retreat Farm to help shape the facility’s future.”

In 2001, the Windham Foundation purchased the farm from the Brattleboro Retreat, which established it in 1837 as a therapeutic adjunct…

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