FORT COLLINS, COLO. - JANUARY 24, 2012—Fort Collins’ largest charter school – Liberty Common School – became owners after closing on the purchase of their 27,000-square-foot building on December 29, 2011.

McWhinney bought the Fort Collins building, located at 2745 Minnesota Dr. near the corner of Drake and Timberline roads, in 2009 and leased it for two years to Liberty Common High School.

The building purchase will allow Liberty Common High School to expand the current 27,000 s.f. to a total of 60,000 s.f. over two phases, thus allowing them to increase their overall enrollment from 300 to 450 students. The high school has been incredibly successful, they introduced a college-preparatory, classical liberal-arts curriculum to 10th-graders as well as added classes for 11th and 12th-grade students. On a fast growth track and an enrollment waiting list, Liberty Common High School will begin the first expansion phase early in 2012 to meet the academic needs of the students and teachers for the fall, 2012 semester.

“McWhinney has been a great partner,” said Bob Schaffer, principal of Liberty Common High School. “They’ve been absolutely great to work with. We’re so grateful for McWhinney’s leadership in the education industry and for their assistance with helping us address our enrollment and growth needs.”

The high-school building originally was constructed in 2004 and features 21 classrooms, administrative and support areas and a multi-purpose facility. In 2009, McWhinney and Liberty Common School worked together to refinish the interior with new paint and carpet, lockers and classroom reconfigurations. In 2012, both parties will partner on the facility expansion that will include an additional 8 classrooms and an expanded multi-purpose area.

McWhinney purchased the building in 2009 as a strategic acquisition,” said Dean Barber, McWhinney vice president of development. “We knew that teaming together would be a win-win for both organizations as they continued to grow and we had the resources to provide a facility that met their needs as well as a purchase option as they always intended to own the building. We’re proud to partner again with Liberty Common School and to be involved in the expansion that will continue to allow Liberty Common High School to grow to meet the needs of their students.”

McWhinney and Liberty Common School are strong believers in sustainability efforts that reduce waste and energy use. Liberty Common High School’s building incorporates many sustainable design features, including a radiant-heat flooring system, heat exchangers in classrooms, natural light, outside views from all classrooms and activity areas, drought-tolerant landscaping and water efficient plumbing fixtures. Long term renovations plans include an engineering and ingenuity lab, music rooms, a library and a gymnasium.

Ron Kuehl, McWhinney vice president, assisted in the transaction which took place just prior to the end of 2011. Peter Kast, a local Realtec broker assisted the buyer, Liberty Common School, in the transaction.

For more information, call McWhinney at 970-962-9990 or visit www.mcwhinney.com.

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