Photo provided Columbus Propeller has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Patronicity to turn a drab, industrial building into a showplace with freshly painted murals, signage, an outdoor kitchen, seating, and landscaping, shown in this artist’s rendition.
Columbus Propeller’s crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $20,000 over the past two weeks, thanks in part to large donations from philanthropists and businesses.
The campaign, which can be found at patronicity.com/propeller, began on Nov. 16 and seeks to raise $50,000 by Jan. 15. If this goal is met, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s “CreatINg Places” matching grant program will provide an additional $50,000. The funds will go toward exterior improvements and beautification of the Propeller facility.
“We are so pleased at the community response to our campaign,” said Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Frey. “Individuals have been really generous. … We welcome the smallest gift to the largest gift, because it all comingles and gets us to our goal.”
As of Wednesday morning, the online campaign had raised $20,900, with 80 donors contributing.
“Many of these are individual donors, though we’ve received several contributions from local organizations as well,” said Propeller board president Bryan Rushton. “I’ve mentioned it before, but it always is so great to see how many different people across very different areas of the community are willing to come together and support the efforts at Propeller.”
The largest donation, so far, comes from Tom and Barbara Schoellkopf. The couple, who founded Tobar, Inc. more than 30 years ago, gave $10,000 to Propeller’s campaign.
Patronicity giving levels start at $25, with donors at each level receiving gifts and perks as a thank-you. For someone who gives $10,000 or more, benefits include naming rights for certain spaces at the facility, an individual recognition plaque, shout-outs on social media and recognition at a wrap party.
Additionally, Johnson Ventures and the Duke Energy Foundation have each donated $2,500 to Propeller’s campaign. Frey, Rushton and Columbus Municipal Airport Director Brian Payne have also given to the cause. So has Landscape, Art & Architecture (LAA) Office, which designed the master plan for Propeller’s makeover.
“This project will turn a drab, industrial building into a showplace with freshly painted murals, signage, an outdoor kitchen, seating, and landscaping. A new viewing platform will provide residents who love aviation to sit in a comfortable and shady setting to watch all the excitement at Indiana’s fourth busiest airport. Finally, an installation from Exhibit Columbus will be repurposed in public plaza. The glow from the installation and overhead lights will make outdoor evening events possible, bringing new energy to the AirPark,” according to a description of the project.
In addition to these changes, LAA Office’s master plan for the facility also includes a green house, façade treatments and wayfinding.
“We are encouraged by the (campaign) progress so far, and though we have been contacted by a few businesses and organizations who might ultimately be able to provide some significant donations, we are going to need all the help we can get to hit our goal,” said Rushton. “We still have some time, and we’re thrilled at the progress and support so far, but definitely wanting to keep at it so we can make this vision a reality for Columbus.”
Columbus Propeller has been described as a place for both “makers” and entrepreneurs. It is located in two buildings that are owned by the Columbus Municipal Airport and were previously occupied by Cummins, Inc, which had used the space for testing engines.
According to Propeller leadership, the space is outfitted for a variety of activities, including 3-D printing, machining, welding, woodworking, electronics, sewing and vinyl cutting. There are also spaces for start-up support and STEAM classes.
