There has not been much communication from Republic Property Group about the makerspace they are building as part of the Community Amenities of Walsh.
I do a lot of developer websites and things typically go in spurts. But I did find an article since their announcement:
David @Photomancer paid them a visit several weeks ago to answer questions and share his experiences.
I know they were looking to hire someone but Fort Worth is so far away.
I was invited to meet with them two or three weeks ago. If you recall they were the ones that had an ad about a job for an employee on Talk. I contacted them and said I wasn’t interested in the job but if they wanted any help I or DMS would be willing to talk with them since I’m in FW often. They had visited DMS and were very impressed (who isn’t, right?)
About 2.5 months later they contacted me. I think they said the person they hired is from DMS. Because they will be tied in to the HOA as to membership, they won’t be a 501(c)(3), some other form - they’d already checked that out.
RPG is a developer. The new community they are planning is in/near FW and will eventually build out to a community of around 50,000. A makerspace will be built there as part of the development. Initially it will be 2,000+ sq ft (with 208V 3 phase) with space to add-on later. They told me what their initial build-out budget was for equipment was, etc. They wanted a small cooking class area (envy) and advised them to contact FW health department to find out requirements as it for building (grease trap) and if they’ll be classified as a commercial kitchen so they’ll be able to incorporate those into the new building.
A major difference between them and DMS is there’s will be for children as well as adults, this skew their usage rules and what types of equipment they get, at least initially.
Overall, I think RPGs development is going to a really great amenity beyond the typical “club house” most developments have.
What we should collectively be impressed with, and reflects highly on us is that there are of number of start-up makerspaces that are seeking of DMS for advice or how to start and run a makerspace. We are seen as a great success. Last night a person responsible for starting a makerspace at a junior high/middle school in Dallas ISD stopped by and asked for help: he met with some of our SME experts or was was provided contact information as he has a budget for buying equipment.
DMS is now getting enough inquiries that is why at the last BoD meeting we had item about having an “Ambassador” as a point of contact. DMS/Alex is helping the City of Garland gets theirs off the ground and started. We’ve even had several from Oklahoma come down for tours and ask questions as well as a couple from around Texas.
I think we often get wrapped up and down in the trees with some of our internal issues we may minimize what an incredible thing the Dallas Makerspace is. Most remarkable to me, when looking at other spaces is that we did this on our own. We have had extremely little external financial support - we have built this place on our own.
I encourage everyone to once in a while volunteer and take part in tour night - as you are going around and explain and show everything we have in terms of equipment, classes, collective hive knowledge shared readily, you will really appreciate what you are a part of and contributing to.
We ARE awesome. It’s not bragging if its true.
True. I stumbled across the Anchorage Makerspace online. They think enough about us, I guess, that they have heavily relied upon our materials to create their own Rules and Guidelines. Verbatim is probably a better description. In fact, on page 2 of their document, they even go so far as to say “Guests can not inhabit the Dallas Makerspace without another keyed Member present.” 
But while I’m talking about AMS, here is an interesting section:
Events Charging Entry Fees
- For any use of the space where an entry fee is charged, a minimum 50% of the gross profit from ticketing goes to the Anchorage Makerspace.
- If no fee is charged to members, use of the space is free. A non-member entry fee may still be charged.
- If an entry fee is charged, it is requested that a 50% lower rate be available for Anchorage Makerspace members.
- Tools/materials can be sold for the event and will not count as an entry fee as long as members are given the option to bring their own suitable tools/materials.
Yep, this. Easily forgotten in the hubbub, but still completely true.
I can see the arguments about what “gross profits” are. If, and that’s a BIG IF, we ever starting charging fees again, then keep it simple: make it a flat % of what is charged. They can build it into their price.
I personally would rather keep doing what we are doing: If the class/event supports our mission and members’ interest, then we support it free. If it doesn’t, they need to find another venue.
We used to do 25% fee and for reduced DMS fees it would be 15%
It was tweaked in the past to what it is today.
They just copied one where we did charge fees back in 2014.
Ultimately it was burden on finance and the teacher and in the interest of simplifying the rules it was removed.
(How I miss those days of simple and clear rule structures)
What a concept…
__
I think having many events that are open to the public has gotten a fair number of members over time.
True, but we need to shift from a “grow membership” mode to “maintain membership” mode.