Red Mountain Makers
Red Mountain Makers is a non-profit technological co-operative workshop and laboratory, also called a "makerspace" or "hackerspace", which is located at Hardware Park in Smithfield.
The group was organized in 2013 and registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in December 2014. It was originally located in a 4,000 square foot space in Woodrow Hall at 5502 1st Avenue North in Woodlawn. Christopher Lais, one of the founding members of the group, passed away on July 9, 2017.
The organization offers its members space, equipment and other resources to support self-directed creative and research projects. The space currently houses several rentable studios as well as shared workspaces grouped into several labs:
- Fiber Lab - sewing, weaving, fiber arts
- Shape Lab - woodworking, metalworking
- Print Lab and reference library
- Circuit Lab, computer builds, microprocessors, and all things electronic
- Computer Lab, software-based project development, 3D printers, programming
- Bio Lab, fermentation and compounding of plant-based medicines
The group has a strong focus on open source hardware, software and design. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the group concentrated its efforts toward designing and producing face shields and other protective equipment for distribution at cost.
In 2022 the organization moved to 8,000 square feet at Hardware Park. Their Grand Opening Ceremony was held on September 18, 2022.
References
- Hicks, Shirley (July 12, 2015) "Case study: Taking a nonprofit from start-up to financial break-even in 17 months"
- Patchen, Tyler (January 7, 2022) "Red Mountain Makers selects Hardware Park as new home."
External links
- Red Mountain Makers website
- Red Mountain Makers wiki
- Meetup page - used for meeting and event scheduling
- Mission statement
- Board of directors & leadership
- Red Mountain Makers business plan
- Annual reports