Mike Wolanin | The Republic Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, left, talks with Eric Silver about battery technology he is working on at Columbus Propeller as she tours the site in Columbus, Ind., Wednesday, March 8, 2023.
State officials learned more about a local innovation center that is receiving $50,000 in matching grant funds from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and IHCDA Executive Director Jacob Sipe toured Columbus Propeller on Wednesday. The local makerspace recently completed a successful crowdfunding campaign for an external makeover by using the IHCDA’s “CreatINg Places” matching grant program and Patronicity.
Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, Propeller board members and other community leaders were among the group that welcomed the lieutenant governor to the makerspace and told her the history of its development.
“You all are propelling Columbus and the state of Indiana,” Crouch told them. “So thank you. I’m anxious to learn more.”
More than 100 donors contributed more than $72,000 for Propeller’s crowdfunding effort, and since the campaign hit its $50,000 goal before a Jan. 16 deadline, the IHCDA is providing another $50,000. Altogether, the campaign raised $122,819, said Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Frey.
“We look forward to making this a destination for making, creating and innovating,” she said.
Plans for exterior improvements at Propeller include a street mural, painted building façades, wayfinding, a viewing platform for watching planes, greenery, signage, seating, a grill area and lighting, said Lulu Loquidis with Landscape, Art & Architecture (LAA) Office.
“Propeller has engaged the services of LAA Office to manage aspects of the exterior renovation,” Propeller leaders shared in a recent newsletter. “The work begins immediately. You’ll have an opportunity to participate in build days as we engage volunteers in the work. Several projects will take place on the Day of Caring May 5.”
Loquidis said they plan to implement the project primarily during this spring and summer. Next steps include releasing a Request for Qualifications to find two artists who can propose façade designs.
A ground mural is also in the works. “Early May, we’re hoping to collaborate with the United Way Day of Caring and work with those volunteers to implement that piece, and then installation of a viewing platform and the plants will happen later in the summer,” she said.
Another upcoming step is ordering furniture for the space, said Frey.
Columbus Municipal Airport Director Brian Payne noted there have been other successful Patronicity campaigns at the airpark, such as the museum’s Charlie 119 restoration project and a recent pollinator path project.
“I think it just demonstrates how committed and generous the people in Columbus are, to come back time and time again and support these quality of life and quality of place projects that benefit the community,” said Crouch.
During her tour of the facility, Crouch met with local makers who were hard at work on different projects, such as a new engine prototype, battery containment technology and a model of The Crump Theatre made out of LEGOs.
Propeller tenants include Eric Silver, Aeroflex, the Columbus Area Arts Council and Cheryl Kelly, said Frey. Additionally, the makerspace has about 20 paying members and expects this number to grow as open hours are increased from three to five or six days a week.
Columbus Propeller has been described as a place for both “makers” and entrepreneurs. 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.
The lieutenant governor commended local leaders for their efforts to prepare the community’s current and future workforce through the opportunities available at Propeller.
“I think it’s an exciting, innovative, creative, entrepreneurial space that is not only going to engage the community, but it is also going to prepare the workforce for today and for tomorrow,” she said. “…I’m excited and encouraged by what I see here for the future of Indiana.”
