Colliers has completed the sale of a specialized school facility at 2730 Mitchell Dr. in Walnut Creek, a property formerly occupied by the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts. The freestanding building encompasses 43,702 square feet and has now been acquired by Summa Academy, a non-public school serving students with autism and other special needs, for $7.1 million.
The transaction keeps the property in educational use, aligning with the intent of the parties involved. The building previously functioned as a performing arts school, and its physical layout and existing improvements supported its continued deployment as a learning environment rather than being converted to another use. This continuity was cited as an important outcome of the sale.
Summa Academy focuses on individualized education and life-skills development for students in grades K–22 with autism and other special needs. The Walnut Creek property becomes the largest of the organization's three East Bay schools, giving the operator a larger footprint to serve its student population. As Summa Academy grows its portfolio of campuses, the Mitchell Drive facility provides room for programmatic expansion tailored to its learning model.
According to details released about the property, the new campus offers space for creative and practical instruction, including a mock apartment setting that incorporates a laundry room and a kitchen. These features are intended to support real-world skill building as part of the school's educational approach. The facility's size and configuration allow Summa Academy to integrate both classroom learning and hands-on life-skills training within a single location.
On the brokerage side, Colliers represented both the selling entity and the buyer. Managing director Scott Ellis, executive vice president Larry Easterly and associate Charles Easterly represented Contra Costa Performing Arts School in the transaction. Easterly, along with senior vice president Ben Harrison, represented Summa Academy. Reflecting on the sale, Easterly noted that maintaining the site as an educational resource for the community was a priority for the parties involved in the deal.
