‘Maker space’ building would need major funding

Port of Whitman County continues to explore its “maker space” project. Whitman County Finance Director Gary Petrovich reported he and Port Executive Director Joe Poire talked recently about the county loaning .09 funds with little or no interest to the port for the “maker space” project building.

A very preliminary estimate of the project cost for the space is at $4.5 million.

Petrovich said any funding agreement with the port will still require the county to keep in mind its original agreement with Hawkins Company for commercial development at the state line.

The port is exploring a knowledge transfer economic development project, also known as a maker space.

The project is in very preliminary stages, Poire has said, and the goal is “to leverage the presence of the two universities for economic development.”

Poire explained that the maker space would be a building with several rooms set up for rent to entrepreneurs to develop projects. It could be as simple as a space for a seamstress or include 3-D printers or milling machines. Equipment could be rented by the hour, he said.

In November, port and Washington State University officials met to discuss maker space plans. Another meeting was scheduled to discuss possible partnerships.

Two maker space buildings are now operated in the state.

One of the buildings is in downtown Seattle. It is an 11,000 square foot building.

The concept of the “maker space” is that co-working is a style of work which involves a shared working environment with independent activity, which is exactly what Poire is aiming for with the port’s project.

Bellingham’s MakerSpace’s web site says it’s a community workshop for inventive, creative people. Besides working on projects, they offer classes and workshops.

Bellingham’s building also offers a large open space with flexible work spaces, classroom space, a large selection of hand tools and a lounge.

Poire estimates that the building here would cost $3 to $5 million to construct plus another $1 million to complete the inside. He also said it would require at least $100,000 a year for staff salaries.

He said there are no definite plans about a location.