“Building Hope has been an invaluable partner to us. As we’ve grown over the last several years from a stand-alone high school to a small system of schools, their financial backing has allowed us to get past the roadblock of facilities that so frequently prevents charter schools from reaching their potential. But their support has been much more than just financial. They have been an experienced and professional voice that we have turned to for guidance on issues ranging from construction project woes to how to execute on a public bond issuance. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their help.”

Irasema Salcido, Founder and CEO, Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy

Construction

Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy
Parkside campus

School Information:
700 students in grades 6-12

Facility:
79,612 square feet
located at 3701 Hayes Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019

Project Cost:
$15.1 million, $190/sf

Building Hope Investment:
$5 million

Schedule:
Acquired land in 2004; construction completed September 2005.

Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy was founded in 1998 to provide inner-city students with a high-quality education that will prepare them for college and civic engagement. In 2004, the school decided to expand to a second campus for middle and high school students located in an underserved area of the District of Columbia with a high poverty rate.

Due to the school’s projected enrollment at the time of land purchase and building construction, it was unable to obtain commercial financing for the project. Building Hope formed a separate foundation, acquired the land on the school’s behalf, and oversaw construction of the building in only nine months. In September 2005, the school moved into its new, state-of-the-art facility that includes 25 classrooms, two science laboratories, two art studios, a library, a computer lab, a media center, a multipurpose cafeteria/auditorium, and a gymnasium. Student enrollment is 100% minority with a high percentage eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

The Building Hope/Parkside Foundation leases the building to the school at a below-market rate. In 2007, the school will purchase the property from Building Hope for the amount of the outstanding debt rather than its current market value.

Photo credits: Maxwell Mackenzie for Building Hope