757 Makerspace, a renowned community workshop in Hampton Roads, is expanding its operations with a second location at Fort Monroe. Known as a hub for inventors and entrepreneurs, the 757 Makerspace Fort Monroe will continue the tradition of providing a space for diverse projects, from crafting pinewood derby cars to building solar-powered drone prototypes. The new 13,000-square-foot facility, set to open on April 1, was made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. This grant will also enable students in Hampton Public Schools’ vocational and technical programs to access the Makerspace’s resources and activities. The expansion is seen as a significant step in revitalizing the Fort Monroe area since the Army’s departure in 2011.
Introduction
From THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT By TREVOR METCALFE
757 Makerspace Expands to Fort Monroe
Henry Foster, of Roadstead Montessori High School, spray paints what will become a welding screen for the new location of 757 Makerspace in Hampton on Fort Monroe last week. (Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press)
A Hampton Roads community workshop that bills itself as the place to make anything from pinewood derby cars and out-of-production vehicle parts to drones is opening a second location on the Peninsula.
Expansion Details
Norfolk-based 757 Makerspace will expand to Fort Monroe with an opening ceremony slated for April 1. The business had received a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to build upon the organization’s established success, founder Beau Turner said.
“Every week, we invest in more tools, more knowledge, more training,” Turner said.
Makerspace Concept
Beau Turner, founder of 757 Makerspace, stands inside the new location in Hampton on Fort Monroe last week. (Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press)
He described the Makerspace as a place where inventors and entrepreneurs can build just about anything. The concept grew from Turner pitching the idea at a local startup fair more than eight years ago.
Unique Projects and Offerings
Beyond traditional woodworking and metalworking, members have constructed items such as discontinued car parts for an old Porsche. Justin Selfridge, who is one of the Hampton spot’s first anchor tenants, has used its tools to construct prototypes of an experimental drone aircraft powered by solar energy.
Location and Community Impact
The Hampton location’s 13,000-square-foot building at 16 Murray St. in Fort Monroe is close to Oozlefinch Beers & Blending and the Firehouse Coffee 1881 cafe. Since the Army left Fort Monroe in 2011, leaders have been slowly redeveloping properties there, including historic sites for a variety of uses.
Grant and Community Support
The $100,000 Makerspace grant came from an October round of more than $4.4 million in grants for 33 Virginia projects that former Gov. Ralph Northam had announced. The grant also allows students in Hampton Public Schools’ vocational and technical programs to access Makerspace resources and activities.
Conclusion
“This is about renovating old buildings, investing in neighborhoods, and launching new businesses,” Northam said in the announcement.
Cristina Fletcher, a member of 757 Makerspace, paints the walls of the new location in Hampton on Fort Monroe Wednesday afternoon. (Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press)
Contact Information
Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com
Question & Answer
What is the new location that 757 Makerspace is expanding to?
757 Makerspace is expanding to Fort Monroe with a new 13,000-square-foot facility.
When is the opening ceremony for the new 757 Makerspace location?
The opening ceremony for the new 757 Makerspace location at Fort Monroe is slated for April 1.
How did 757 Makerspace fund the new location at Fort Monroe?
757 Makerspace received a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to fund the new location.
What kind of projects can be undertaken at 757 Makerspace?
757 Makerspace is a place where inventors and entrepreneurs can build a wide range of projects, from pinewood derby cars to solar-powered drone prototypes.
