About the School
In December 2003, Bahia Street was able to buy an old building in the centre of Salvador to house the school. The building, which dates from the early 19th century, needed to be almost completely rebuilt. Bahia Street kept the historic front facade of the building and redesigned the interior to best fit the school’s needs. An architect in Salvador drew up plans that include classrooms, a library, technology room, kitchen and dining area, exercise area, several bathrooms with showers, and reception and administration rooms. The plans also include an arts room, science laboratory and photography room. The building is now four stories, with a covered outdoor veranda on the top floor.
The 2004 demolition and construction project was handled carefully; taking the old structure apart in portions. The buildings in this part of Salvador have no space between them and no back access. Debris from the entire building was removed in sacks out the front door, and all new building materials were delivered through the same door.
For the 2005 school year, with the combined efforts of Bahia Street staff, local construction help and other community members, we were able to open the new Bahia Street School for classes using the first two floors, which included classrooms, library, administration area, bathrooms, and kitchen.
The Sponsors
The purchase, rebuilding, and refurbishment were made possible through the generous contribution of many individual donors and several foundations. The Maggie Black Trust made the furnishing of the photography laboratory possible, and the Jephcott Foundation funded almost the entire rebuilding project. The original purchase was made possible by a generous interest-free loan from two long-time supporters of Bahia Street, Margaret Schulte and Barry Stellrecht. Through the very generous donation of the Dawson family, Bahia Street repaid the entire loan on the building, so it is now owned free and clear by Bahia Street.
