Carla Clark | For The Republic Dawson Payne, at left, Matt Brown and Colby Payne help Eva Brown use a hammer to flatten a forge heated nail during the Maker Fair held at the Columbus Propeller makerspace, Saturday, March 26, 2022.
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.
Rushton was encouraged by the turnout of visitors.
“I talked to a lot of young professionals who had moved here, more than one,” he said. “And they were like, ‘I want to get plugged into this community.’ … Every one of them was willing to donate their time and talents.”
Frey noted that there was “quite a blend” of attendees; in addition to young professionals, there were also retirees and families with children.
While Saturday marked Propeller’s official opening, the space has opened its doors to visitors in the past, previously holding a preview and networking event in October of 2021. It also hosted a “Start Up Saturday” event, hosted by Velocities, in November.
The facility has gone through a number of changes since the initial open house, said Frey. The upgrades included extensive concrete work, Wi-Fi installation, installing door controls that can be accessed through an app, HVAC changes, new doors and windows, installing both new and donated equipment, and ensuring fire safety systems were working.
Propeller will “always be a work in progress” that responds to the interests of its stakeholders, Frey said. However, most of the major items are finished.
Aside from facility updates, another notable change since October is that interested individuals can now sign up for Propeller memberships, with two options available. According to fliers from the event, one option is individual or “Liftoff” membership at $20 a month for three months and $40 for each month after that. The other is “Flagship” membership, which is $200 for six months and must be paid in full.
Both provide the user with access to the Propeller facility, equipment and materials, as well as discounts for classes and events. However, the Flagship membership also includes the privilege of a “vote/voice in future equipment purchases” and a special gift in honor of one’s contribution to helping launch Propeller.
“Our space is ever-evolving, and membership costs are subject to change as new equipment is added to the facility,” added Propeller leadership. “The $40/month individual membership will remain in effect throughout 2022.”
At present, the facility’s hours will be limited until more cash flow is generated, said Frey. The space will be open Wednesday nights from 5-8 p.m. and on the second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We are seeking volunteers and partners who would like to teach new skills, lead a club of like-minded tinkerers, provide safety instruction or volunteer in another capacity,” she added. “We need computer programmers, safety experts, machinists, builders, seamstresses, artists, crafters, woodworkers, electricians, and anyone passionate about making.”
However, Propeller isn’t just a space to build physical objects; it also provides support for people interested in building new businesses.
Velocities — the chamber of commerce’s partnership with the Mill in Bloomington and Elevate Ventures — was Propeller’s first financial supporter with a $65,000 sponsorship, said Frey. Furthermore, according to Propeller membership details, all members have access through Velocities to coaching, early-stage capital and programming to “help take projects from the ideation phase to a revenue-generating business.”
Velocities is also planning to host another “Start Up Saturday” at the space on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As Propeller moves forward, one of its next steps is building out a programming calendar to meet community needs, said Frey. Additionally, the project was included in the region’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative proposal, and officials are continuing to pursue possible grant funding through this avenue.
“One of the things we’re really focused on is making sure everyone feels welcome in that space,” added Frey. “So genders, ages, socioeconomic — we just want a whole breadth of activities happening that appeal to all people, wherever they are.”
