After 18 months, the owners of the cutting-edge, shared workshop space Makerhaus have decided to close. Last weekend, they put out an e-news post to students, members, educators and the press to advise them about the pending closure, set for September 16th. Until then, Makerhaus will be open regular business hours, and those who have questions were encouraged to contact the management at info@makerhaus.com
The posting read, in part:
“Over the last eighteen months you have helped cultivate an amazing HAUS of learning, making, and connection by attending events, classes, workshops, joining our membership programs, and supporting us through social media and word of mouth. Our goal to empower creative minds and make a meaningful contribution to our community would not have been possible without your involvement and interest. We sincerely thank you for your support.
“While there has been great love for our mission, customer demand has fallen short of what is needed to continue to run the business.”
Makerhaus (for those unfamiliar, read the Fremocentrist.com column from May 2013) has offered an entirely unique, innovative and progressive business model. The workshop, which provides 3D printers, wood shop, metal shop and prototyping materials available for collective use by members and students, gave DIY inventors and artists access to resources, and a gathering place.
It is to be hoped that, in the future, a variation on the model created by Makerhaus can be found, and succeed, and give those looking to start their own business or prototype a new, improved product, a place to create.