A fledgling charter school operation is hoping to breathe new life into an old building in Thornton.
New America School, a charter high school that serves English language learners and academically underserved students, is moving forward with a massive facelift of a shuttered grocery store at 88th Avenue and Washington Street. Once completed, the old 38,000-square-foot Albertson’s building will feature all the amenities of a modern school, including 14 classrooms, a gymnasium, administrative offices, library and cafeteria, said Mike Emke, principal at New America School.
The new facility, scheduled to open Jan. 6, will be a marked improvement over the school’s current location at 601 E. 64th Ave. in unincorporated Adams County, he said. The move will give the school an additional 10,000 square feet and should allow New America to boost its enrollment from 400 to 450 students, Emke said.
“I really believe everyone is attracted to knowing their environment is new and improved,” Emke said. “The conditions inside are going to make it easier for people to operate, which I think is going to be a great asset.”
Austin, Texas-based developer Charter Stone Capital spent approximately $5 million to purchase and renovate the old store, which sat vacant since 2006. New America School will rent the space from Charter Stone Capital with a lease to own option, said spokeswoman Stephanie Cusack.
Officials hope the renovation will help spur more development in the area.
“The completed building will not only provide a beautiful, safe and much needed permanent home for New America School’s Denver campus, but will also enhance the aesthetic of the local neighborhood and provide a catalyst for additional redevelopment throughout the surrounding community,” said Michael Searls, president and chief investment officer of Charter Stone Capital.
Joey Kirchmer: 303-954-2650 or jkirchmer@denverpost.com
