New space checklist

In Case You Didn't Know...

Hack Manhattan is a nonprofit (501c3 pending) science/technology/art collective and maker space based in Manhattan. In our first ten months we've outgrown our current 400 square foot space and we're looking to expand.

Spacing In

Our current space is obviously not very usable, partly because it's not big enough but equally because the division of an already small space into three very small spaces does not allow optimal use of the square footage.

We have always assumed we would be moving eventually, or perhaps expanding within the building, and though the latter is theoretically possible, it does not look likely any time soon. [Written in June, 2012] Over the past few weeks, several of us -- our discontent mounting -- have begun to feel that we ought to "s**t or get off the pot", as the saying goes, and find a new space to move into over, say, the next couple of months. If, before we find something, it should turn out to be possible to expand within the building, well and good. If not, we should be prepared to move quickly. Unless we move, we will not have room for new members, nor the facilities to make new membership attractive, or even to provide a comfortable work environment for our existing members.

Current Effort

There have been sporadic efforts starting nearly as soon as we were founded to look for more space, and a description is left intact below. I would like to float a less ambitious list of requirements and desirables in order to encourage discussion. But the chief point is to see whether the membership agrees that we should try to move over the next month or two, and whether we are willing to fund a more expensive facility in the hope that it will draw in more members as well as provide a more productive workspace for the existing members. It is likely that the increase in space will have to be funded by the existing members until we attract new members.

Spreadsheet

Here is a table showing what spaces have been looked at in person by members thus far. New spaces examined should be added.

Peter's Suggested Requirements List [June, 2012]

Required

1. Minimum of 400 sf usable in a single space of usable dimensions
2. Rent <$1500/mo (at 600 sf rentable, this would be $30/sf)
3. Ability to conveniently have guests (walk-ins)
4. Outside ventilation
5. Ability to do projects, install and use machinery, without annoying neighbors
6. 24-hour access
7. Ability to expand within the building (ideally, contiguously) within a year.
8. Manhattan location

Acceptable

1. Requires labor by us to make it usable

Desirable

1. Roof access
2. Internal plumbing
3. Near subway stops
4. Location: 14-59th St. and 2nd to 10th Ave

Add your comments here:

--Guan 10:34, 15 June 2012 (EDT):

• I would say the maximum extent is Houston to 59th, but the core area we are looking for is 14th to 46th, 3rd to 9th Ave. One very interesting building we looked at in the fall was 195 Chrystie just below Houston. Spaces outside the core area should be near multiple subway lines.
• A large and a small room would be a good solution if the smaller one is large enough and suitable for dirty and loud work like milling
• Ability to expand within the building is desirable, but not required—we should be realistic here. Also depends on the square footage of course, I would require ability to expand if the space is only 400 sf.
• We can go to $2,000/month in rent relatively easily, and with some soul searching maybe even $2,500
• Some sort of plumbing might be required, maybe just the ability to have running water into a tub, for safety

Earlier Requirements List

• Rent is up to $2000/mo or $25-30/sq ft including utilities. This is somewhat flexible.
• Move in date is flexible through July (though this may change)
• 675+ actual usable square footage (1000+ sq ft advertised)
  • 225+ sq ft area for using "dirty" tools (i.e. metal and wood working)
  • 225+ sq ft area for "clean" tools (i.e. electronics, crafts)
  • 225+ sq ft area for meetings and classes (or, a larger "clean" area, instead)
• Between 59th St and Houston St. (give or take)
• Near more than 1 mode of mass transit (multiple subway lines are ideal)
• Decent ventilation to outside (especially for lasering, fumes, dust)
• Adequate power (3 or more independent 15/20 AMP circuits)
• Permission to make noise with tools during daytime and nighttime hours
• 24/7 secure access for all dues-paying members
• Landlord is supportive of our mission
• Receive shipments
• Elevator for heavy moves
• Nice to have:
  • Ability to ultimately expand to larger spaces
  • Window space for window farming
  • Outdoor space for planting/beekeeping/etc

General Uses

• Design and build electronics, robotics, software, art installations
• Sew, knit, make textile projects (clothes, wearable computing, etc.)
• 3D printing
• Metalworking, Woodworking
• Cut things with lasers
• Gardening, Beekeeping
• Hold events, classes, workshops, socialize
• Brew beer