Fwd: Maker Space in Downtown Phoenix

[Will Bradley]

Exciting day for Phoenix makers! Updates on CPLC Pickle House in downtown Phoenix, and TechShop on NPR.

(The attached photos referenced in Lindsay's message were too large to attach, but I'm sure you can request them from Lindsay (lindsay at designrepublic dot us) if you're interested.)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lindsay Kinkade
Date: Wed, Aug 26, 2015 at 10:15 AM
Subject: Maker Space in Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix Maker Collaborators–

Writing to let you know that the CPLC Pickle House Maker Hub is proceeding in a promising direction. Perhaps you read about it here? Or more recently here? The project of renovating the historic brick pickle factory downtown into a making-oriented incubator is moving forward as they seek to solidify the anchor tenant. The previous anchor fell through delaying the start of construction. CPLC has federal funding and they are both committed and required to make it into maker-oriented space. They have a good sense of what that means after a year of consulting conversations and research–they will make a great landlord for makers. CPLC is also in conversations with Artplace as they expand their creative placemaking/ maker knowledge and capacity.

If you or others you know are interested in leasing space for making/ fabrication/ co-working/ teaching in Downtown Phoenix in the next year, CPLC is looking for tenants and they are very flexible on the buildout as construction could be tailored to the first tenants. CPLC is a non-profit that offers business development support and small business loans for growing firms–an amazing benefit from a landlord. They are rooted in Phoenix and are committed to helping Phoenix grow local businesses, especially makers. 

As I transition from my studio-based work to a full time gig, I will no longer be actively seeking makers for the project. To inquire about renting space in the CPLC Pickle House Maker Hub, please contact Allisia Fiorini at Allisia...@cplc.org. She is the project manager and will best be able to keep you up to date. Reaching out, even if just you are not yet sure what you will need, is encouraged. The more CPLC hears from makers, the better they will be able to meet the community's needs at the CPLC Pickle House and other properties where makers might want to set up shop. CPLC owns many buildings around town, including retail spaces.

For now, I am handing off the Maker Space work to all of you who are working in related organizations or in your own small businesses downtown. You are doing great work. It has been my pleasure to collaborate with you all and make connections where possible. Starting in September, I will be working full-time as the Design Director of the ASU Enterprise Marketing Hub. I will continue to lead Phoenix Urban Design Week, but will otherwise be shrinking Design RePublic as I work to help ASU look its best. I will also continue teaching in The Design School's graduate graphic design program.

Here are some visual assets we made in the process of the last two years of collab on a Downtown Phoenix maker space:

MAP   The Arizona Collab Maker Space Map that Will Bradley and I started is growing as more people contribute their new spaces. We're off to a great start! Please feel free to add new spaces as you learn of them (or start them yourself!)

PHOTOS of maker spaces that have key ingredients that local makers have said they want in a Downtown Phoenix design/art maker space (attached). 

Wishing you well in all your making endeavors,

Lindsay

PS–Did you catch this story on our local NPR today about Maker Labs? There's a story in the works at the AZ Republic too...

PS–If you are interested in talking with an all-star consulting team about successful arts-led development and models for growing maker spaces, I planted the seed of a conversation about Phoenix with AS220 Founder Bert Crenca. Early this summer, I discussed the foundation for maker-based work that we are doing in Phoenix with Bert and with Marina Balko. They run a consulting program called Practice Practice. They are ready to travel to Phoenix and provide catalytic advice when we are ready to seek their consultation. Please write to marina...@as220.org

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Lindsay Kinkade

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