Chamber’s ‘Innovation Week’ concludes with opening of Columbus Propeller

Erik Anderson, at left, of the Bloomington Neighborhood Planting Project, hands Bob Miller a packet of seeds during the Maker Fair held at the Columbus Propeller makerspace, Saturday, March 26, 2022 Carla Clark | For The Republic

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Innovation Week” concluded with an event that marks the official opening of Columbus’ new makerspace.

Columbus Propeller which has also been described as an innovation center marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting and “maker fair” on Saturday.

Chamber President Cindy Frey and Propeller President Bryan Rushton estimated that around 150 to 300 people attended, with a “steady flow” of visitors throughout the event.

Propeller is supported by the chamber and other local organizations. It is located in two buildings that are owned by the airport and were previously occupied by Cummins, Inc, which had used the space for testing engines.

Chamber officials have described the vision of Propeller as “the home of a thriving community where we can unleash each other’s creative potential.” The facility, which is still under development, currently offers 3D printers, woodworking equipment, metalworking equipment and an electronics lab.

Frey estimated that there were about a dozen maker booths at the fair. She and Rushton said these showcased interests such as robotics, forging, hydro dipping, computer sciences, agriculture, web design and entrepreneurship.

For the complete story and more photos, see Wednesday’s Republic.