Colorado International Language Academy (CILA)

Project Overview

Scope of Work: renovation of 38,000 square foot commercial office building to accommodate a K-8 charter school including 33 classrooms, administrative offices, student support service areas, elective classrooms, multipurpose room, and commercial kitchen, and playground

Colorado International Language Academy (CILA) is a language-immersion public charter school in Colorado Springs serving students in grades K–8. CILA delivers a rigorous, content-rich academic program designed to develop bilingualism, cultural fluency, and strong character, preparing students to thrive academically and as engaged global citizens. The school serves a diverse student population, with approximately 45% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch and nearly half identifying as students of color. Academically, CILA is a performance-level school in Colorado, meeting state expectations in both achievement and growth.

To support its long-term growth and educational mission, CILA developed a new permanent campus at Elkton Drive in Colorado Springs. The project included the adaptive reuse of an existing three-story office building, totaling approximately 38,000 square feet on a multi-acre site. The building underwent a full interior demolition and tenant improvement to create modern classrooms, administrative offices, a multipurpose space, and a commercial kitchen, while adjacent land was transformed into outdoor play and recreation areas.

Blueprint provided full project management services, supporting CILA through site acquisition, design coordination, construction planning, and financing strategy. Blueprint also sourced capital for the project and provided a low-interest loan and credit enhancement. The project was delivered in advance of their Fall 2026 school opening. The new campus will support enrollment growth to more than 450 students, ensuring CILA has a high-quality, mission-aligned facility that can serve its community for decades to come.