St. Augustine Preparatory Academy – Site Acquisition & Development

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Educational / K-12 Development

Owner’s Representative, Site Acquistion & Property Assembly (While at VJS Development Group)

St. Augustine Preparatory Academy required a consolidated site on Milwaukee’s south side to expand its K-12 campus. While at VJS Development Group, Bailey Copeland was engaged to identify, acquire, and assemble multiple off-market properties, a challenge as suitable parcels did not exist as a single site at the time. The project was completed in two phases, addressing immediate and long-term enrollment growth needs.

Conducted site identification and property analysis, evaluating multiple options to determine the most feasible location for expansion.

Assembled 17 properties for Phase I and 32 properties for Phase II, coordinating directly with property owners, navigating off-market negotiations, and building trust to achieve successful acquisitions.

Served as Owner’s Representative for Phase II, guiding the client through project design, scope changes, and construction challenges.

Managed due diligence, entitlements, and permitting, including environmental remediation under a WEDC Brownfield Grant.

Oversaw project coordination, including flexible classroom design, specialty use spaces, new athletic facilities, auditorium, gymnasium, and rooftop area additions.

Supported stakeholder communication, ensuring alignment with financial partners, contractors, and the client’s strategic goals.

The project enabled St. Augustine Preparatory Academy to expand enrollment by over 1,900 students with state-of-the-art educational and athletic facilities. Bailey’s expertise in property assemblage, owner representation, and adaptive project management ensured the successful execution of a complex, multi-phase development that strengthened the south side Milwaukee community.