[2] The founding mission of Bakehouse is to support local artists by providing low-cost studio space in Miami's urban core.

[5] According to co-founder Helene Pancoast, "We felt the time had come for Miami to have a working art facility, a gathering place for visual artists".

[10][7][16][17] Vivian Rodriguez[18] was hired as the facility's first director in 1987, one of two paid staff at the time; the other was Joe Gedeon, who had previously worked at the bakery on the site.

[21][22] One of the galleries had been condemned as structurally unsafe, requiring significant fundraising for renovations in order to qualify for a mortgage extension.

[9][22] A contemporary newspaper report noted that "Gaps in leadership and funding have plagued this ambitious cultural institution", but the board "is showing the resourcefulness and creativity to prevail".

[24][25][26] Raymond, who had a business background, implemented a standardized rental pricing structure and a jury process for accepting new artists, resulting in a number of previous tenants departing.

They hired Cathy Leff[30][31][32] to act as director, and received a $150,000 grant from the Knight Foundation to develop a new strategic plan.

[12] Land use and zoning changes in the area allowed Bakehouse to begin planning the development of affordable housing units on the campus.

[6] The organization is housed in a 33,000 square feet (3,100 m2) Art Deco style former industrial bakery on a 2.3-acre (0.93 ha) campus in Wynwood, Miami.

[47][46] Early exhibitions included Ceramic League shows led by Jean Waldberg and theatrical performances by South End Alternative Theatre and M Ensemble Company.

[50] The complex also participates in Art Basel,[51] which "helped it grow exponentially, and has spurred numerous short-term satellite shows during the annual event", as well as a breakfast buffet.

[52][53] Notable artists who have worked or exhibited at Bakehouse include Nakajima Hiroyuki,[54] Robert Chambers,[55] Jude Broughan,[56] Jillian Mayer,[57] Stephen Baron Johnson,[58] María Martínez-Cañas,[59] Sandra Ramos,[60] and Aja Monet.

[5][63] According to painter Bernadette Despujols, "Bakehouse is a reference point for many artists in great part due to the dialogue it generates in the community".

[67][68] Bakehouse has also received grant funding from organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts,[69] the Pérez Foundation,[70] and Bank of America.