BAKEHOUSE ART COMPLEX KICKS OFF MULTI-YEAR RENOVATION THANKS TO A CITY OF MIAMI GRANT
April 4, 2024, MIAMI, FL — Bakehouse Art Complex, one of the oldest and largest artist-serving organizations in South Florida, is beginning structural repairs to its iconic and nearly 100-year old Art Deco-era building. Prior to becoming a working home to Miami-based artists in 1986, the building operated from 1926 -1978 as the American Bakeries Company–one of the first industrial bakeries in South Florida and producers of Merita Bread. This first phase of construction is part of a much larger, longer-term plan to renovate the Bakehouse, which includes adding affordable and workforce housing for artists and others and new cultural spaces and amenities to its site. Repairs are expected to last approximately eight months.
Thanks to a $2 million grant directed by City of Miami Chairwoman and Commissioner Christine King from her District’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds, the organization is able to address critical structural upgrades to its facility. The work will ensure that the beloved site and organization continue to serve Miami artists for decades to come by providing affordable and stable workspaces, creative and professional development opportunities, and access to a community of peers. Bakehouse also provides free ongoing cultural and educational programming throughout the year, both onsite and offsite, in collaboration with partners such as The Underline, Bass Museum of Art, and Miami Children’s Museum. Evening and weekend public events are anticipated throughout the construction process.
Bakehouse, located at 561 NW 32 Street, will remain accessible 24/7 to its artists. For the time being, Bakehouse and resident organization Bookleggers Library, located within the campus, will be open to the public daily from noon to 5 pm, but anticipates disruptions and noise that will impact the number of artists who will be on site during the daytime. Therefore, the organization encourages guests to visit and to book a free tour during the weekend, when construction is not taking place, by emailing rsvp@bacfl.org. Bakeshouse artists, working as visitor services assistants, will be on site to facilitate and enhance the visit.
“I am thrilled that we can finally begin these critical repairs, and I am so appreciative of Commissioner King and the City of Miami for ensuring that we continue to serve Miami artists and the larger community,” commented Bakehouse Executive Director Cathy Leff. “We are making every effort to continue public access and community programming during the repairs.”
The organization and its artists will remain visible through the exhibitions, installations, activations, and programming it does with its partners throughout South Florida.
Bakehouse advises its visitors to consult its website (bacfl.org) or its Instagram (@bakehouseartcomplex) or to call in advance at (305) 576-2828 for updates and/or any temporary changes that may arise due to the nature of the repairs.