ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The 4C Academy is working to turn an empty building on Front Street in downtown Albany into an entrepreneurial hub for their students to manage and sell goods to residents.

They’re calling it “4C on Front.” CEO Chris Hatcher said the school wants to take what the kids are learning in the classroom and bring it to life in a real-world scenario.

“It will be a place where, you know, student education and community development come together. We are always trying to find real-world opportunities for our students because that’s the way young people learn today,” said Hatcher.

Community members and visitors will be able to shop around in a market style set-up. Fresh produce straight from the Academy’s garden will be available for purchase, as well as a wide variety of student-made creations.

“We also have 13 pathways at the 4C Academy that are capable of making other student creations, like planters for garden spaces, t-shirts, you name it, that will be sold here,” continued Hatcher.

4C on Front will be student-driven, with adult guidance. The students said they are looking forward to the experience.

“It’s gonna help me because it’s going to give me real world experience in agriculture, business and retail. It’s going to help me realize all the ins and outs and all the little nitty gritty details people usually pass over,” said Kate Orme, a junior at 4C.

While 4C on Front will have a little something for everyone, the students are excited to cater to Albany’s younger crowd.

“I’m really excited, and I hope everyone loves it. We are targeting people my age because young people really need something to do in Albany, as there’s not a ton of things here,” said Rihanna Huntley, a junior at 4C.

Hatcher said the details haven’t been completely worked out yet, but he expects 4C on Front to open sometime this fall.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.