[KwartzLab] Getting a larger space, renting storage rooms for members -- thoughts?

[doug moen]

Hi Bob. At Kwartzlab, we are trying to create a diverse community of
Makers who work on their own projects, but who also hang out together,
collaborate, etc. One way to bring people into our community is to
provide facilities to support the making of things, including a
community workshop, and now, dedicated space for ongoing projects. I
don't think we want to get into the "public storage locker" business.
We aren't going to allow inappropriate use of our space just to raise
money. That's not the intent, and there should be an acceptable use
policy associated with these new facilities to discourage "public
storage locker" mentality, as well as policies on what happens to
dedicated space when the member goes AWOL/stops paying membership
dues.

Doug.

On 16 November 2012 10:36, Bob DeGregory <bob.degregory at gmail.com> wrote:
> "You might get the general public renting such a space for a short while
> too.  Maybe something like this is already available, but I'm not aware
> of it."
>
> I've been informally following the public shared space concept for many
> years in multiple locations (Hamilton/Burlington, Upstate NY-several
> locations, and now K-W Guelph to name the ones where I've lived.). In terms
> of workspace, those folks who have tried to build a business on what I would
> characterize as a revolving door model don't seem to enjoy much longevity.
> Conversely, storage facilities (which some customers work out of to a
> limited extent) tend to do well, but require economies of scale that we
> aren't likely to see.
>
> Please do not interpret this as a thumbs-down on the idea Ben/Darcy et.al.
> are exploring. I'm just saying the niche we are most likely to be successful
> focussing opon will exclude 99% of public.
>
> On Fri, Nov 16, 2012 at 9:53 AM, Chris Frey <cdfrey at foursquare.net> wrote:
>>
>> On Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 08:44:51PM -0500, Kyle Spaans wrote:
>> > On Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 07:36:49PM -0500, Ben Brown wrote:
>> > > Just off the top, who would be interested in say, renting a 8x8' space
>> > > for $100/mo to keep large projects in? (aside from me).
>> >
>> > I can't say that I have a pressing need for that kind of storage space,
>> > but I
>> > think it's a nice compromise for getting us more space.
>>
>> I don't think storage is the only application.  If there's space to
>> put, say, a car, then it could be used as a self-repair garage too.
>>
>> You might get the general public renting such a space for a short while
>> too.  Maybe something like this is already available, but I'm not aware
>> of it.
>>
>> - Chris
>>
>>
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>
>
>
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