TechShop in Financial Trouble

[wm]

Some of you have heard rumors about drama going on at TechShop. I had
a talk with Denney today, and it looks likely that (unless a minor
miracle occurs) TechShop will shut down in its current location. We
hope that a (much cheaper) space can be found in the future. So....

If you have any equipment, tools, or parts at the current location in
Beaverton, you need to get them out of there by Feb 7 (that's this
coming Monday). I am told that we will be able to get access after
that, but it will be more difficult.

We need to move out all our furniture. I've already moved out some of
the smaller stuff, but there is lots more. The hard part is going to
be moving all the tables, chairs, white boards, drawer units, and
partitions out of the upstairs area. If you can help with this, please
let me know -- and what day would be best for you. If we can just get
a few strong people it should go quickly (at least this time it will
be moving stuff down stairs!)

Finally, if you know of any available space where people would like to
have an electronics lab, have we got a deal for you. Let me know if
you know of any space. The biggest problem is that it can't just be
empty space, since there needs to be some kind of access control for
people wanting to get access.

Also, let me point out again that TechShop and OpenTechSpace are not
the same. OpenTechSpace is in fine shape, and will continue to do
stuff, just not at TechShop in Beaverton.

Wm Leler
w...@opentechspace.com
503-350-0507

[wm]

It looks like we are going to start moving Friday afternoon. If you
can come by and help, please let me know.

--wm

[Paul Stoffregen]

Any idea on time? I can probably make it over there, but Friday traffic
gets pretty horrible in Beaverton around 4 to 6pm. I should be free
Saturday late morning to early afternoon.

As for other space, perhaps Brainsilo (aka PDX Hackerspace) might be
interested and actually able to make good use of furniture and
equipment? I don't know how closely their mission and goals of open
(free) access are, and sadly I haven't made it over there yet, but one
thing is for sure: they have floor space!

-Paul

[wm]

Sorry! Scott and I and at least two other people will be at TechShop
no later than 1pm.

At this point we have a pickup truck with a 7 by 12 foot trailer, and
a minivan. Let me know if you have a truck or a van that can be used
to move furniture. If we get more people and need more vehicles, we
will rent a truck.

--wm

[mark gross]

I can help on Sunday.

--mgross

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[wm]

I'm guessing that we might need some help on Sunday, if we aren't able
to move everything on Friday afternoon. Regardless, I'll likely be at
TechShop on Sunday helping them. I'll post something here when I know
more.

But we still need more help on Friday, starting at 1pm at TechShop.

And I should also point out that there is a general TechShop meeting
at TechShop on Friday evening to discuss the situation with everyone.
I think it will start around 6pm.

--wm

[teknotus]

> We need to move out all our furniture. I've already moved out some of
> the smaller stuff, but there is lots more. The hard part is going to
> be moving all the tables, chairs, white boards, drawer units, and
> partitions out of the upstairs area. If you can help with this, please
> let me know -- and what day would be best for you. If we can just get
> a few strong people it should go quickly (at least this time it will
> be moving stuff down stairs!)

I can help, and I could also give rides for a few people coming from
Portland.

[wm]

oops, I was just informed that the TechShop meeting Friday night is
not open to the public -- it is for employees and investors of
TechShop only.

sorry

[wm]

We managed to move out 85% of the stuff Friday, and put it in storage
at PSU until we can find a new location for the electronics lab. Will
finish up today (Saturday). Thanks to the people who helped out!
Won't need any help on Sunday, but thanks for offering (although there
are plenty of people with equipment at TechShop who could use some
help, so feel free to show up and help them out).

We did some rush last-minute looking around at alternative locations,
including bRainSilo and ToolShed, but neither one worked for us,
especially on such short notice. So we will restart looking for a new
location after we get done with this move. If you have any
suggestions, please let us know, but remember that we really want an
organization to partner with, not just some empty warehouse space.

And don't write off the idea of TechShop as a place where people can
share tools and expertise. There was a tremendous outpouring of
support this week, and I believe something will rise from the ashes.

Wm Leler