COLUMBUS, Ind. — Individuals hoping for a new makerspace on Columbus’s Airpark campus will have to wait a little longer to see if that proposal becomes a reality.
Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Frey and Bryan Rushton, the leader of the makerspace project’s guiding team, discussed their project proposal Tuesday with the Columbus Aviation Board. The team is eyeing two buildings at Columbus Municipal Airport as a potential makerspace location once Cummins Inc.’s lease for the properties ends in June.
After some discussion, the board decided to table the topic for the time being, as they needed to get more information, discuss the matter further and consider other options.
One item of note was Frey and Rushton’s request that the airport help “upfit” the facility and contribute to capital improvement costs. Airport director Brian Payne said this would involve using funds from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to help invest in the buildings.
The makerspace presentation mentioned the need for the facility improvements, which could potentially include a properly sized HVAC system, a keyless access system, fresh paint, enhanced lighting, “a kitchen/staging area for events” and concrete work in the courtyard.
Payne said TIF dollars would likely go toward general improvements such as the HVAC system, not necessarily anything specific to the makerspace. This would then improve and prepare the facility for the possibility of future tenants with different needs.
“Anything we can do to help make the project viable,” he said. “And if the project’s not viable, then these assets would go to future availability of the building.”
For the complete story, see Friday’s Republic.
