Woman, minority-owned child care to open nearly 11,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility
15 January 2026
News release
15 January 2026
A Secure Future Academy to open second location in West Philadelphia
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Tessa Bonnstetter
PHILADELPHIA, PA., January 15, 2026 - JLL announced today that A Secure Future Academy (ASFA) signed a long-term lease at 4301 Chestnut Street in the heart of West Philadelphia. This ground-level facility will span 10,847 square feet, and will serve more than 120 local kids and their families.
“We are humbled and thrilled that Dr. Kashmiera Harris trusted us with identifying the best home for the second A Secure Future Academy location. Alterra Property Group was an exceptional partner, and I can confidently say we're all thrilled to bring this deal to fruition. This project represents a labor of love for the City of Philadelphia and, importantly, for the children and future generations who will benefit from it,” shared Eric Berkowitz, Senior Associate at JLL.
With significant investment from Alterra and financing from PIDC (Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation), ASFA’s new facility at 4301 Chestnut will be purpose-built from the ground up as a premier child care center serving children from preschool up to school age. Owner and executive director Dr. Kashmiera Harris has secured numerous alliances in the region and plans to curate exciting programming throughout the year for child care.
“I am beyond thrilled to have the unwavering support of JLL, Alterra, and the many others who believe in me to bring the second location of ASFA to life," said Dr. Kashmiera Harris, Executive Director at A Secure Future Academy. "True purpose isn't transactional; it's rooted in the responsibility to build a stronger future for the next generation. Meaningful work flows from genuine care – not just ambition – and that is what this second location will bring to life."
Build-out at A Secure Future Academy plans to open its doors in summer 2026.
“We’re proud to support the expansion of A Secure Future Academy and the meaningful impact it will have on families in the neighborhood and greater University City,” said Connor Burke, Vice President of Acquisitions at Alterra Property Group. “A leading child care user such as A Secure Future Academy aligns with our commitment to investing in users and best-in-class operators that strengthen communities and support long-term neighborhood vitality.”
JLL’s Eric Berkowitz and Frederick Durham represented A Secure Future Academy in the transaction.
About JLL
JLL (NYSE:JLL) is a leading global commercial real estate services and investment management company with annual revenue of $26.1 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 113,000 as of March 31, 2026. For over 200 years, clients have trusted JLL, a Fortune 500® company, to help them confidently buy, build, occupy, manage and invest across a variety of industries and property types, including office, industrial, hotel, multi-family, retail and data center properties. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY. Powered by rich global datasets and leading technology capabilities, we provide coordinated, end-to-end delivery of real estate services for a broad range of global clients who represent a wide variety of industries. Through LaSalle Investment Management, we invest for clients on a global basis in both private assets and publicly traded real estate securities. For further information, visit jll.com.