I have been in the Dallas area for about two years and I really like the Dallas Makerspace and what it represents, but I have not become a member because for me the space is difficult to get to on a regular basis. I am curious if there has been any previous or current attempts to start a new location in the downtown area. Also would the Dallas Makerspace be open to a collaboration with starting a new satellite location? From what I hear there is a lot of talk about a makerspace in the downtown area, but I have not found any specific parties pursuing the idea.
If there are any of you are interested in starting a makerspace or knows someone who is already trying to start a makerspace in the downtown area please let me know.
Opening a satellite location has been mentioned before, but I don’t think seriously considered, as that would be a lot of work and we don’t have enough money to spend at our current location.
Perhaps one of the artist studios downtown would be interested in sharing a space? Several of them set up shop down there, because they could get warehouse space cheaply.
There’s a Plano Makerspace, but I don’t think they have any location yet: thelab.ms/
The only other sites I see are co-working spaces. I thought I heard there was a hackerspace near downtown, but I think as mentioned above it’s an artist studio.
The Makerspot in the North Richland Hills Library is a nice fairly large makerspace, they have a large quilting machine, sewing machines, electronics workbench, 3D printers (3 Polyprinters), and some other basic tools. It’s closer to me but it’s not a 24 hour makerspace.
Where are you coming from @Ryan_Wilson? I ask because I go very far out of my way to come to the Dallas makerspace, I live in east Fort Worth, it takes me about 40-45 minutes driving, I am almost there every night (luckily gas is cheap now, and I do work in Irving so I’m half way there)
I live in Oak Cliff and while the Carrollton location is not close, it is easy to get to. If gas goes up a lot, I may not be able to come out as much. I have more problems with a lack of time, than the location.
Looks great, it’s like a more organized version of the old dms location. I’m sure they’ll get more tools, it’s great to see a budding makerspace. It’s out of my way but I might visit sometime.
Oh, I forgot to mention UTA library has a fab lab, with a epilog laser, electronics bench, some more PolyPrinters and a Stratasys printer. They do let non-students in with a government issued ID.
It does show you how advanced the Dallas Makerspace is, we have a huge member-base, way more expensive tools and space than anything around, we’re big even compared to Austin and Houston’s hackerspaces.
I’ve met with some folks regarding a photo-centric space in Deep Ellum but
the rents are getting steep. I’ve heard some rumors of a possible
for-profit space (also in DE) but don’t know how serious that is. PM me if
Deep Ellum is something that’s of interest and I’ll expand.
I am located in Bryan Place just outside of downtown. My location is not far by car, but I don’t have a car so it makes getting up to Carrollton an hour and a half effort.
I also see a trend of development in the downtown area. The population is growing pretty quickly and most of that development is coming as apartments. These apartments are small and don’t lend themselves to people hosting their own projects and as a result I believe a Makerspace will be well received. I am working right now to create some interest in the area and I have talked to several people who are intrigued by the concept.
I think it is important to note that a new location will bring in new members and we wont have to support two spaces. Any sort of aid the Dallas Makerspace lends to a new effort will be used to help get the new one on its feet. This includes any possible financial backing as well as people’s time and effort. I believe that if the two spaces were created they could do more interesting things together than they could apart.
I would say that I am not settled on a location and I have looked at locations in the North Oak Cliff and West Dallas areas. I believe that West Dallas actually has a lot of promise.
I am looking to see if there are any parties interested in discussing this idea or if there are any current efforts already underway before I try to take this thing on from ground zero.
When the railroad shut down some lines, it left several warehouses that were located along those lines empty. That’s when the photographers moved in, and converted the warehouses into huge studios. Several photographer are located along former railroad tracks in Downtown for that reason. I keep finding more as I attend more events hosted by them.
You could also look at the area around the Design District (just west of the 35 from the American Airlines Center). Lots of space available between Riverside and the river…
While evaluating whether to join DMS, I found the web site of an art studio Downtown or just across the Trinity. They boasted about having a very nice performance hall; their dues were about twice what we pay for DMS. I thought that was Cedars Union, but it is apparently something else.
It may have been Cedars Union which listed dues or rent for a private art studio in the $100 to $125 range, but it is not there now. The Cedars Union has plenty of floor space, so they may be willing to accommodate more traditional maker activities.
