Tuesday, 25 August 2026 04:00 PM
Partnerships
Nonprofit lender and developer Civic Builders transformed 49,200 square feet of vacant retail space into a new public charter high school
ANNAPOLIS, MD / ACCESS Newswire / August 25, 2026 / Today, New Village Academy (NVA) welcomed its founding class of 180 students, opening a tuition-free public charter high school inside a former Lord & Taylor at Annapolis Mall, developed by Civic Builders, a nonprofit lender and developer of public charter schools.
"New Village Academy had a bold vision for what high school could look like, and our job was to make sure real estate didn't stand in the way," said David Umansky, CEO of Civic Builders. "Today, 180 students walk into a school that will fuel opportunity in Annapolis for generations."
The $12.8 million renovation converted a 49,200-square-foot former department store into a school for 270 students at capacity, with learning studios, a library, science lab, art studio and cafeteria. Raza Development Fund provided the loan, supported by Civic Builders' equity and U.S. Department of Education credit enhancement. The architect was Architectural Support Group and Whiting-Turner Construction was the contractor. As communities nationwide grapple with underused commercial space, the project demonstrates how adaptive reuse can give schools access to well-located facilities while avoiding some of the cost and complexity of ground-up construction.
Civic Builders delivered the facility through its turnkey development program, securing financing and managing design and construction, then leasing the completed school to NVA at a fixed rent with an option to purchase the building. NVA is part of a broader milestone for Civic Builders: nine schools are opening in Civic-supported facilities this fall through the organization's real estate development and lending programs, including Carolina Collegiate High School in North Carolina, Colorado International Language Academy and UCP of Central Florida's Kissimmee campus.
NVA pairs personalized academics with work-based learning, including internships and apprenticeships that connect students' coursework to career exploration and community involvement.
"Today, our students are walking into a high school designed to prepare them for their futures," said Romey Pittman, founder and principal of New Village Academy. "By opening New Village Academy in Annapolis Mall, a thriving commercial hub, we connect learning to real-world experiences, careers and the broader community from day one."
NVA celebrated the opening with an Aug. 18 ribbon-cutting attended by students, families, elected officials and project partners. Speakers included state Sen. Shaneka Henson; Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann; and Mark Bedell, superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
Charter school leaders seeking real estate development and financing support can learn more about Civic Builders' mission at civicbuilders.org.
About Civic Builders
Civic Builders is the nation's leading nonprofit lender and developer of public charter schools. Since 2002, the organization has invested more than $2.2 billion into over 100 schools, bringing high-quality educational opportunities to more than 55,000 students annually. For more information about Civic Builders, visit civicbuilders.org or follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About New Village Academy
New Village Academy is a tuition-free public charter high school and part of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, serving students in grades 9-12. Located inside Annapolis Mall, the school combines personalized academics, strong relationships, Community Action Projects and weekly internships to help students take charge of their education and prepare for thriving careers, strong character and active civic engagement. Learn more at newvillageacademy.org.
Media Contact:
Sierra Ballard, [email protected], (812) 344-7983
SOURCE: Civic Builders