Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain closed on a sale of its floor located at 1445 Market Street, the organization announced today. The floor was sold for $5.1 million to the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, which already owns the remaining floors of the five-story Lodo building.
The building has housed Junior Achievement’s administrative offices since 1990. Junior Achievement initiated negotiations earlier this year as it plans to merge its offices with a new educational facility it will be building in the Denver Tech Center. JA has launched a capital campaign for the new facility, named the JA Free Enterprise Center, which will be located on the southeast corner of Greenwood Plaza Drive and South Fiddler’s Green Circle. The nonprofit acquired the property in 2019 through a partial donation of land made by commercial developer John Madden.
“The JA Free Enterprise Center will be a game changer for Front Range education, engaging middle and high school students in high-tech, interactive simulations that will fire their imaginations and help them discover career paths, set practical goals so they can gain the knowledge and skills to attain those careers, and understand how to manage their finances.” said Junior Achievement President & CEO Robin Wise. “We’re building a modern way to help teens jumpstart their future, discover their potential to become successful and self-sufficient adults, and feel pride for this country and the opportunities free enterprise offers. Additionally, the legendary stories of Colorado Business Hall of Fame laureates will be integrated into programming, interconnecting these generations.”
The JA Free Enterprise Center is estimated to cost $17 million, which includes the educational and programmatic elements of the building, as well as meeting and event space for the community. JA is including an additional $3 million in its capital campaign for costs to run programs for the first three years. Through the sale of its administrative offices and other private financial contributions, the organization has already raised $12.1 million. Like all JA programs, student participation in the JA Free Enterprise Center will be free of cost. JA plans to open the facility during the 22-23 school year.
“This is an investment in our community’s future, our kids’ future, and the entrepreneurs and workforce of tomorrow,” said Junior Achievement Board Chair, Matt McConnell. “For the final stretch of our campaign, we’re now looking to today’s community leaders to invest in tomorrow’s leaders.”
Details on the capital campaign and the JA Free Enterprise Center can be found at www.JAColorado.org/lets-build-the-future.
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