Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
HOMEWISE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Homewise is pleased to announce the successful acquisition, thoughtful renovation, and sale of the historic B. Ruppe Drugstore building in the Barelas neighborhood to Solamente Holistic Health. This project honors the legacy of one of Albuquerque’s culturally important community spaces while supporting local entrepreneurship and wellbeing.
Founded in 1883, B. Ruppe Drugs was the longest continuously operating drugstore in Albuquerque, serving the community for over a century before closing in 2017. In the 1980s, Maclovia Sanchez de Zamora transformed the business into a yerbería — a traditional herbal healing space rooted in Hispanic and Southwest healing traditions — becoming a beloved healer whose work drew people from across the region and beyond.
Recognizing the deep cultural and historic significance of the Ruppe property, Homewise purchased the building in 2017 with guidance from the Barelas Community Coalition and with a broader vision of revitalizing a community place of healing and cultural pride. Homewise’s community development work in Barelas has consistently focused on preserving the neighborhood’s history, identity, and social fabric while meeting contemporary community needs.
“Barelas is one of Albuquerque’s oldest and culturally richest neighborhoods,” said Johanna Gilligan, President of Homewise. “Our work here is rooted in the belief that redevelopment should do more than update buildings — it should honor and strengthen the culture and traditions that make a place unique.”
Homewise’s approach in Barelas emphasizes placemaking — engaging residents in shaping the future uses of community spaces and preserving both tangible and intangible cultural assets. This includes projects like the Barelas Walking Tour and a museum dedicated to the history of the B. Ruppe Drugstore and the legacy of Maclovia Zamora.
Through its commercial lending program, Homewise repositioned the restored Ruppe building and sold it to its long-term tenant, Solamente Holistic Health, financing the purchase with a loan structured so that monthly payments were nearly equivalent to prior rent. This enabled a smooth transition from tenancy to ownership without increased occupancy costs. The arrangement builds long-term stability, equity, and community wealth while preserving Ruppe’s legacy as a place of healing.
“Solamente Holistic Health will continue the spirit of healing that has long defined this space, offering services that reflect both traditional practices and evolving community needs,” said Gilligan, President of Homewise.
“We are incredibly honored to become the stewards of a space with such deep meaning in Barelas,” said Elisahrose Trujilla of Solamente Holistic Health. “Continuing the legacy of healing that began with Doña Maclovia is both a responsibility and a joy for us. Partnering with Homewise made this possible — their commitment to community, cultural preservation, and small business ownership truly sets them apart. We couldn’t ask for a better partner in bringing this next chapter to life.”
This project exemplifies Homewise’s commitment to equitable redevelopment — one that sustains community identity, supports local entrepreneurs, and preserves cultural heritage for future generations.
About Homewise
Homewise is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help create successful homeowners and strengthen neighborhoods so that individuals and families can improve their long-term financial well-being and quality of life. Homewise provides commercial loans to businesses and nonprofits that seek to own their own facilities. www.homewise.org.