From Empty Offices to Full Classrooms: Brío College Prep Celebrated a New Chapter in Echo Park

On May 26, Brío College Prep celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new Echo Park campus, marking a major milestone not only for the school, but for the broader community it serves.

What was once an underutilized office building is now a vibrant high school filled with students, educators, and opportunity.

The new campus represented years of planning, partnership, and perseverance. Through a $13 million adaptive reuse project, Brío transformed existing commercial space into a permanent home for 480 students in grades 9–12, creating a campus intentionally designed for learning, connection, and growth.

The celebration brought together students, families, educators, board members, and community partners to recognize the significance of the moment and the impact the campus will have for years to come.

Speakers throughout the event emphasized that the building represents far more than bricks and mortar. It reflects a long-term investment in Los Angeles students and families and a continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality public schools.

Outgoing Ednovate CEO Oliver Sicat described the project as “what it looks like to build for the future,” while incoming Interim CEO Katie Hart reflected on the years of work required to bring permanent school facilities to communities across Los Angeles.

“This is exactly the kind of work we will continue,” Hart shared during the ceremony. “Permanent schools send a message to students and communities that we are here to stay.”

The project was made possible through partnerships and guidance from Blue Print, Charter School Growth Fund, Central City Association, and many architects, builders, consultants, and vendors who helped bring the vision to life.

Beyond the classroom, the campus is already contributing to the surrounding neighborhood. Students and staff support local businesses, utilize nearby public parks for athletics and activities, and bring consistent positive energy and activity into the community.

The adaptive reuse project also demonstrated how existing urban spaces can be reimagined in sustainable and community-centered ways, giving new purpose to underused commercial buildings in a post-COVID landscape.

For Brío students and families, however, the impact is deeply personal.

The new campus represents belonging.

It represents opportunity.

And most importantly, it represents belief in what students can achieve.

As the ribbon was cut and families explored the campus, one message rang clearly throughout the afternoon: Ednovate’s momentum continues, and the future for Brío College Prep is bright.