NOTE: For an update on the space planning, please see New Building Space Plans

In the near future Milwaukee Makerspace will have a new building, and with a new building comes new possibilities. Please use this page to share with the group your ideas for the new building. What rooms/areas do we need? How should we do storage? Where should the nasty chemicals go?

Things we should have:

• Slop Sink / Water
• Classroom
• Drive-in garage door
• Permanent computer w/camera for meeting Hangouts, etc.
• Define zones within the space and define what activities are appropriate in each zone.
• Review zone lighting and access any changes needed.
• Workout a janitorial schedule and assign to members or offer someone a membership in return for these duties. Meet inspections to retain these responsibilities?
• Establish mailbox for membership fees collection etc.
• Install a central dust collection system. For all woodworking, lasers, etc.
• Identify a meeting space large enough for all members
• A clean space for a permanent photo table with a roll of white paper for a sweep and lights.
• A clean space for the silk screening rig to live in.
• A computer bar along a wall with random computers including a monitor/keyboard/mouse station for people who need to plug in a tower to see if it works….(Shane)
• A small table with walls around it along with a dedicated computer; for robot testing. (Shane)
• A lab space for bio-hacking… microscopes and such.
• A clean clean space to work with fabric… including a very large (clean!) table for laying out fabric and cutting it.

Things we could do:

• Rent storage rooms to members
• Rent rack space to members
• Rent desk space to members
• Rent space for members who run businesses when they have overflow/busy periods
• Create a solar collection system on the roof (after it is repaired)
• Put in a green roof with walkways and vegetable gardens, or the logo in flowers
• Create usable deck space on, and access to, the roof (after it is repaired)
• Put a HAM radio antenna on the roof (if we have HAMs as members who want one)
• Create a darkroom/board etching space with water and a slop sink
• Leverage Network connection for some member hosting of projects
• Offer member offsite backup to storage @ the space
• Setup an Arts/Craft area to entice others with those interests to join (as in my wife Buggs)
• Offer desk/cart/tape vaults as storage space for rent
• Investigate Network racks, photos are unclear but may include an old PBX
• Rent office space for use with Members business ventures?
  • Need to better understand zoning, I heard we cannot do any manufacturing but how about a service company?
    • I don't think anyone is going to be doing manufacturing at a level that would be considered “manufacturing”
  • Mailing addresses
• Allocate space for medium/long term automotive work
  • (in the area of electric vehicle conversion only)
• Setup a space that will offer dust control e.g. auto body sanding
• Setup a paint booth
• Setup and automotive washing station (A carwash?)
• Setup a short term automotive maintenance zone for oil changes, etc.
  • (We can't work on cars, except for electric vehicle conversions)
• Determine need for an intercom system? Including to access badge access @ door?
  • We are also planning the MEWS (Makerspace Early Warning System for “runaways” which is code for any “out of control” robot.)
• Phones? or Cellular microcell depending upon provider signal strengths.
• Setup a computer lab:
  • May be used for crowd sourced development.
  • For for training classes offered by members or by others brought in by members.
  • Maybe this is the general classroom? large tables w/chairs in the middle, and workbenches around the outer walls?
• File for 501©(3) to allow us to purchase computer equipment and software at substantial discounts for use @ the site. e.g.
  • (Some members have been interested in becoming a NPO, others don't care as much… definitely worth discussing further.)

Note: North is Down in this diagram.

1. Storage Vaults
2. Shop Area (raised floor)
3. Shop Area (raised floor)
4. Where the garage door will go? [Dennis: Garage door will probably have to go directly into area 3 from the alley (South of area 4). Cars wouldn't be able to make the turn from area 4 into area 3.]
5. Office Area
6. Telcon/Server Room
7. Disconnect/Xfmr Room
8. Office Area
9. Small Office
10. Bathrooms