BSA FOUNDATION Current Projects

Dec 17, 2006 03:12:34

BSA FOUNDATION Current Projects Baltimore School for the Arts Renovation and Expansion Project Since opening its doors in 1980, the Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) has created opportunities for students who aspire to a career in the arts. After 25 years of accomplishments and recognition, the BSA is at a critical time in its development. We have an extraordinary, once in a lifetime opportunity to further the success and reach of the School by expanding our programs and addressing our facility and infrastructure problems. The BSA plans to renovate the newly acquired 704 Cathedral Street, an historic brownstone, ideally located right next door to our present facility. We plan to renovate and expand our current facility at 712 Cathedral Street. The architect for the project, Cho Benn Holback + Associates (www.cbhassociates.com) worked closely with teachers and administrators to develop a comprehensive design that will meet our current and future needs. Once completed, the buildings will connect, giving the School an additional 29,000 in gross square feet. This project is supported strongly by the Baltimore City Council, the Mount Vernon Cultural District, the Mount Vernon Belvedere Association and the Baltimore community at large. This expansion is essential in order to accommodate the high school and TWIGS (To Work In Gaining Skills) programs. TWIGS is the BSA's free-of-charge, after-school program for Baltimore City elementary and middle school children, serving over 580 Baltimore City elementary and middle school children from 173 public, private, and parochial schools, as well as 16 home-schooled students. In addition, through our community outreach programs we serve over 10,000 pre-kindergarten through 8th grade Baltimore City school children and their families. An Opportunity to Build on a Public/Private Partnership The total cost for the BSA capital project is approximately $29,228,000 million. This money will fund the renovation and additions to the current facility at 712 Cathedral Street, construction of new dance studios behind 704 Cathedral as well as pay for associated costs for the purchase and planned renovations of 704 Cathedral Street. Much of the success of the Baltimore School for the Arts can be attributed to the combined support of the public and private sectors, a model for public education in Baltimore. This partnership is equally critical as we move forward in our capital campaign for a renovated and expanded Baltimore School for the Arts facility.