Bay Area Technology School (BayTech)

Project Overview

Bay Area Technology School (BayTech), a 6–12th grade public charter school in Oakland, opened the doors to its first permanent home after more than 20 years and seven relocations.

The new campus is housed in the former Palace Theater, a 1920s vaudeville and movie theater that later served as a church. Blueprint partnered with BayTech to transform the historic building into a state-of-the-art school while preserving historic architectural façade and interior details, including columns, fountains, doors, main stairway and a decorative ceiling. The former theater auditorium was converted into a full size high school gymnasium, and a new third floor was added with eight classrooms.  The building redesign and reconfiguration allows for a total of 11 classrooms and special instruction breakout spaces.  Outdoor space allows for a turf sports practice area and paved area for lunch and future outdoor sports court.  The building was fully retrofitted to meet current building code including energy efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and is ready for the addition of solar power panels.

The project—supported by New Markets Tax Credit financing—brings BayTech’s 330+ students into a safe, inspiring environment equipped with iPads, touchscreen boards, and modern labs and classrooms. With more than 85% of students coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and 3% experiencing homelessness, the permanent facility provides the stability and sense of belonging the community has long sought.