[hackerspaces] Dream Space

bownes bownes at gmail.com
Sat Dec 21 15:37:08 CET 2013


Beautiful downtown Troy, NY. 

> On Dec 20, 2013, at 23:13, Don Ankney <dankney at hackerco.de> wrote:
> 
> Where?
> From: Bob Bownes
> Sent: ‎12/‎20/‎2013 12:37 PM
> To: Hackerspaces General Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [hackerspaces] Dream Space
> 
> Many good suggestions, thanks!
> 
> Bit more overview. We are purchasing a 4 floor plus basement building. About 10,000ft^2/floor. It was a classic department store from the 1840's until the 1950's. Makerspace on the 1st floor, incubation space on 2nd floor, traditional commercial offices on the 3rd/4th floors. And yes, we know what we are getting into buying a 170 year old building. :) The current owner is a co-developer on the project and will provide building mgmt after completion.
> 
> We looked at doing hacker loft living space, but the $/ft numbers just don't work out. I'd move in in a heartbeat, but $14/ft is above most folks pain point. And the commercial space rent pays the overhead.
> 
> We get to start with an empty shell that has has modern electrical switchgear installed in the last 5 years, along with a major structural renovation and code audit already completed. Estimated cost to purchase and renovate is in the area of 2.1M USD. (Accounting for a 10-25% budget overshoot, since some of us have been down this road before) :)
> 
> We will be putting in all of the 'necessaries' as part of the initial fit up. Vac, compressed air, electrical.  I'm in fact thinking we may do an open style ceiling with cable trays. (the facility has 15+ft ceilings on the first floor. Lower ceilings in the basement and 2,3,4th floors, but those will mostly be office space. 
> 
> Overhead rail/track crane in the 'high bay' space has been proposed. Automotive lift was a possibility, but has been ruled out. Loading dock will be a tight fit for a trailer > 50', but fine for anything less than 30'.
> 
> Dedicated welding, painting/finishing, biochem areas with their own ventilation are planned for. 
> 
> Some large open space for cutting tables for fabric is accounted for.
> 
> Space for general purpose computers as well as a CAD area are a definite. A server room is also a given.
> 
> Large, bright windows at street level provide a good view into the space to help draw foot traffic. Additionally, they will provide natural light for social space, wood shop and textiles spaces. 
> 
> Social space is mandatory. We do a fair amount of entertaining already. Classroom spaces as well. Conference rooms for 8-20 on all floors. Teaching kitchen is in the plan but may get cut due to lack of interest. Casual kitchen is in the plan. 
> 
> Roof gets solar and wind power gen. as well as space for other 'interesting and future' projects.
> 
> 2nd floor is 'innovation/incubation' space. A place for very small companies who just need a desk or cube, those that need a private office, as well as offices for an IPR lawyer, HR company, marketing company, and CFO for hire. 
> 
> 
> Thanks again for all the input. Will keep everyone up to date on the progress!
> Bob
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Fri, Dec 20, 2013 at 2:35 PM, Sam Ley <sam.ley at gmail.com> wrote:
>> #1 is huge, and I agree completely. The biggest regret I have about our space in Boulder, CO (2,300 sq. ft.) is that we didn't invest sufficiently at the beginning to get the code problems and electrical situation sorted out prior to moving in. Now that it is filled to the brim, it is MUCH harder to deal with, and while we have come to some agreements with the city, we could have avoided much heartache by making sure the "blank slate" was in good shape.
>> 
>> If I did it over again I'd have the fire inspector in there on day 1, run central ventilation/dust collection, and put 1-phase, 2-phase and 3-phase outlets all over the place.
>> 
>> -Sam
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Fri, Dec 20, 2013 at 12:31 PM, Agent 5 <ag3nt5 at dc401.org> wrote:
>>> Overhead tangle-free and cable managed 110vAC is worth it's weight in gold. It's convenient, and it makes many tasks inherently safer.
>>> 
>>> -Dave 
>>> 
>>>> On Fri, Dec 20, 2013 at 2:18 PM, Arclight <arclight at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 5. Get more outlets than you think you need, including 220V. Laser cutters and machine tools usually need 220V, 20A, while larger TIG and MIG welders often need 50A. If you have any 3-phase tools, get power run for those as well. Get lots of outlets put in where people will use laptops and other stuff if you want to avoid a cord jungle later.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
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>> 
>> 
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