Silver Anniversary: Celebrating 25 Years With Bachman Community Center
When Bachman Elementary ushered out its final students in 1999, a group of determined residents refused to see the building’s story end. They petitioned the Town of Walden and the Hamilton County Department of Education with a clear mission: let this former school continue as a cornerstone of community life. The Bachman Community Center (BCC) was born, proudly carrying forward its namesake’s legacy.
Those early days were humble. The roof leaked. The finances were lean. Early financial decisions seem almost comical in their simplicity: “Could BCC afford a phone line?” That same phone number, still bearing the local 886 exchange, continues to ring in the office and now you can text it, too!
The success and warmth of BCC have always depended on the people who fill it. Step inside, and you’ll find spaces alive with activity – exercise classes, theater and dance rehearsals, music lessons, civic meetings, school groups, concerts and recitals. Private gatherings, book clubs, movie screenings, and craft socials bring people together. Across the ten classrooms, four office spaces, large multipurpose room, full kitchen, outdoor learning center, and auditorium every corner of the center is busy with laughter, learning, entertainment, and community service. Festivals take place on the grounds, and the event tent is ready for rent – whether you’re planning an on-site celebration or another special place on Walden’s Ridge. A welcoming community library offers shelves of books to browse, while a shaded playground and basketball hoop encourage running, jumping, and friendly competition. Bachman is even a bus stop for Nolan and SMMHS routes, making it an easy and natural connection point for students heading to afternoon activities. For 25 years, volunteers have scrubbed floors, organized events, led classes, and even patched the walls. Longtime Walden’s Ridge residents have shared stories of childhood days spent in Bachman’s classrooms, while newcomers appreciate the charm of the historic building while enjoying new programs and activities.
Everyone, from lifelong Walden’s Ridge residents to newcomers, finds something familiar and comforting inside these halls.
It was only fitting that in the 25th year, the keystone of the building received a much-deserved renewal. The Auditorium, gracefully designed by renowned Chattanooga architect R.H. Hunt, was always meant to serve the wider community, not just elementary students. With an original capacity of 400, the space is as welcoming as ever, and the afternoon sun still sparkles through the round-top windows as it comes over the ridge. Today, the auditorium offers seating for 275 plus standing room, striking a careful balance between comfort and historic character. To help welcome the community for the next 25 years, the original floors were carefully refinished. Two of the seven colonial revival windows were sent to a preservation specialist, where they were sanded and repaired, their weights were rebalanced, their original chains and hardware polished, and almost all their panes reglazed with original glass. Ambitions remain to restore the rest. This latest chapter made way for re-purposing historic seats -new to us, but with a story of their own – offering more comfortable seating for all who gather. A set of the auditorium’s original seats will have a place of honor in the building, silent witnesses to decades of community life.
Finally, updated technology now complements the auditorium’s historic charm, with a new high-definition projector, screen, and sound system ready to enhance performances and presentations for years to come. You’ll find the Thrift Store – a vital part of our fundraising and community connection – open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., plus special evening hours during the Mountain Opry and select events. The center itself is often bustling with activities, and hours align with those various offerings. This means you’ll often find the community library and shared spaces available well into the evening. The grounds remain open to all from dawn to dusk amid the watchful branches of our historic oaks. To see what’s happening next, check out our latest Winter Program Guide (https://bachmancc.org/winter-2026-program) full of classes, activities, and opportunities to get involved.
Here’s to the next 25 years on Walden’s Ridge!
