These are some good points. When we started the 23B shop, it was very tough to find any space in our area < 2,000ft^2, landlords were extremely picky (i.e. no industrial, welding, parking in the other spaces, etc).<br>
<br>Eventually, we found a nice place near downtown that didn't care what we do after 5:00pm<br><br>Everyone who has a key at our space helps with the rent commitment (around $200/mo for a key currently) and has lots of their personal tools and machines there.<br>
<br>Of course, everyone is welcome any time a key holder is there, and we have frequent workshops, build parties, etc.<br><br>If we had an extra room, I would think about putting some tables and couches in and making that an easy to access hangout place, as we wouldn't have to worry about who's using the dangerous machinery, etc.<br>
<br>The economics certainly make a difference. If you have lots of disused warehouse or factory floor space available in your city, there is a lot of opportunity to barter or possibly get it free in exchange for watching the place, keeping the electric on, etc.<br>
<br>If rents are high and there are few vacancies, then you are stuck with having to get a couple of people with incomes together able to secure and pay for a 1-2 year lease.<br><br>Arclight<br>23b Shop (Southern California)<br>
<a href="http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/23b_Shop">http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/23b_Shop</a><br><br><div class="gmail_quote"><br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
hi there<br>
<div class="im">> organizationally being hamstringed by our benefactor a headache.<br>
</div>yes<br></blockquote></div><br>