[dcw] Offer on downtown space

[Steve Edberg]

I think the two biggest concerns are: (1) power - do you have any idea
what kind of circuits are in there? Obviously, if we could only plug in
one soldering iron and a reprap printer, there would be a problem; and (2)
bathroom access.

Next on my list would be water - although, if there was at least a spigot
outside, we could make do with an outside sink for the moment, and a small
tankless water heater could give us hot water. We could probably squeak by
with portable heaters/fans for heating/cooling, although the power issue
comes into play. It would be nice to have Internet access, but I think
there's at least Instaconnect wireless there, right?

I do think having a space is more important in the near term than a 3D
printer; that demonstrates a commitment that will get people to start
coming out of the woodwork, and start paying dues. And I know one person
who does construction who was interested in helping flesh out a space,
once we actually get one.

   steve

On Wed, January 23, 2013 4:31 pm, Jordan Van Aalsburg wrote:
> Fellow Makers-
>
>
> Recently James and I got in contact with the property manager for the
> downtown space <http://davismakerspace.org/downtown-space>. It is still
> available, but he encouraged us to make an offer as soon as possible. The
> board of directors then met and agreed to make an offer.
>
> THE DETAILS:
>
>
> Rent, plus insurance, would completely exhaust our current income. This
> would mean that our plans to build a 3D printer (or anything else for that
> matter) would be have to be put on hold.
>
> However, we would have a physical space of our own, which I think will
> help us recruit more members.
>
> I'll copy the proposal below, but since this is such a big decision I
> think we should all be on the same page. So...
>
> If you are a voting member (meaning you paid dues this month) please let
> us know what you think. If you are not a voting member you can also voice
> your opinion, but the decision to move forward on this will be decided by
> voting members as defined in our bylaws.
>
> If there are no objections to the proposal we will submit it to the
> property manager on Friday.
>
>
> -Jordan
>
>
>
> THE PROPOSAL:
>
>
>
> Michael,
>
>
> Greetings.  We've discussed the property opportunity with our group and
> we've agreed to put in an offer.  As you've pointed out, trying to
> determine a fair value for the space is difficult.  Only the top level
> (700 square feet) is safely accessible, there's limited power access
> (outlets), the entrance way fails ADA compliance, and there's no water
> or heat.  Since our group is incorporated as a charitable social club, we
> can probably work within the limitations of the space, but it makes
> comparisons and price evaluations difficult.
>
> Looking at other options on 2nd Street, 5th Street, and in the downtown
> area, we feel comfortable offering $225 per month.  This would equate to
> nearly $3000 a year in "free money" for the owner.  We can only commit to
> a month-to-month rate, but we would be willing to renegotiate terms at the
> end of one year.  In addition, we could work (at our cost) to make the
> lower space safely accessible and could investigate other improvements to
> the space.  We would, of course,  supply proof of insurance before
> initiating any such improvements.  You said the owner also owns the Court
> N Cedar properties.  Would we be able to get a key
> to the wash-rooms included with the rent?
>
> Does this sound like an acceptable offer?  We agree with your desire to
> move quickly and should have no trouble proceeding as a group.
>
> Cheers,
>
>
> Jordan Van Aalsburg / James R Holliday
> Davis Makerspace
>

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Steve Edberg                                  edb... at edberg-online.com |
| Programming/Database/SysAdmin            http://www.edberg-online.com/ |
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+