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After 20+ years in Dogpatch, BAYCAT is moving to a new home.
BAYCAT came to a hard decision this summer as we considered a multiyear lease renewal, when a 30-50% rent increase was offered. While we anticipated an increase due to rising commercial rents in Dogpatch, we found we could not afford the increased rent expense without impacting our ability to deliver programs.
So, it's time to say goodbye to our long-time home in District 10.
With that change comes the flexibility to continue to serve our community, and improve programs and partnership at a new location. Moving won't be easy, but with your help we can make the transition seamless.
Why does BAYCAT need to move?
BAYCAT recently received a 30-50% rent increase (5 year lease vs. 3 year lease) during our lease renewal. While we had anticipated an increase due to substantial development in the Dogpatch related to the Chase Center and UCSF altering the neighborhood, we could not find a financially viable path to continue delivering programs while remaining where we are at the offered rate.
Where is BAYCAT moving?
We’re in the final stages of signing a lease at a new space, with a goal of moving by September. Stay tuned for the announcement of where we're going!
When is the move?
Our plan is to move in August between our summer and fall program sessions. If all goes to plan, that would mean we're moved into our new space on September 1st. While we hope there are no major delays, in the event of something unforeseen that would impact the start of Fall Youth Programs in mid-September, we'll plan to adjust program plans as needed. We hope to welcome our community to visit our new space with an Open House event later in the Fall once we're more settled in.
What Now?
We need your support to raise $20,000 to get us through the move!
There are major costs when you're changing locations, especially when you've been occupying nearly 5000 sqft for over 20 years! In the immediate future, what we most need is to cover the moving costs and the rent increase that are above and beyond our annual budget and revenue forecasts.
That includes covering things like:
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Movers (est. $5-10k)
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Security Deposit ($17k - our 2004 deposit from our current space was a bit smaller!)
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Increased rent while packing/moving ($15-20k, depending on if we vacate by September 1st)
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Sourcing furnishings/fixtures for a smaller space (est. $10k - our planned new space is about 2/3 the size of the current one, so larger items will need to be replaced to fit the smaller layout)
We've kept our fundraising goals modest, covering what we can ourselves, and are asking for support with the real hard costs moving brings. We'll also pull our community together for support, including exploring what items we might put up for sale in our current space and offering giveaway items when possible. Of course, we're also watching expenses closely!
Saying Goodbye to BAYCAT's Dogpatch HQ
BAYCAT first opened our current headquarters with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 6th, 2004.
Over nearly 22 years, this space has been the backdrop for thousands of young people to learn, grow, and find their unique voice. Over 5,000 individuals have come through our doors from middle and high schoolers in our youth afterschool and summer programs, to early-career adults in internships, fellowships, and workshops, to established creatives and alumni(!) lending a helping hand to the next generation of storytellers.
We plan to host an gathering for anyone who feels a connection to this space and to have a chance to honor all that's happened here, from finding friends, mentors, and career and creative inspiration.
Look out for an invite to the goodbye gathering soon. We anticipate holding it in mid to late August.
Founder Villy Wang cuts the ribbon to officially open BAYCAT at the American Industrial Center on October 6th, 2004. She is joined both by BAYCAT youth program participants and Jeff Skoll, who gave the key seed funding to start the organization.