Hello everyone. I realize I’ve been a bit remiss in not keeping everyone up to date on the metal shop expansion.
I had originally intended to move the metal shop as soon as we were allowed to be in the new space, this coming weekend. However, the leadership asked us to delay this, as they were concerned that this would divert resources from the completion of the ceramics area, the rental studios, and the new lobby.
I agree with their priorities. The successful launch of the ceramics area is critical for the financial support of the expanded space. The studios need to be available to their renters as promised. And we’ve already had people seek us out at the new lobby; that front corner really is the natural approach point for the building.
Meanwhile, the metal shop is already a functional space, despite its many issues. We definitely need the upgrades the new space will give us, but a modest delay will not harm us.
And the leadership was right to be concerned about resource limitations. We are keeping every last volunteer busy preparing the other spaces; we would be splitting our efforts too much to work on the new metal shop too. And I’ve encountered many resource limitations that had not occurred to me beforehand, including access to the lift, and open floor space to work.
So about two weeks ago I throttled back my original plans, directing people to work on the other areas. I myself have continued to work on the infrastructure of the new metal shop, trying to get projects to the point where volunteers can contribute usefully when the focus shifts.
Once we get past the successful grand opening of ceramics this weekend, we will ramp our efforts back up.
I cannot yet predict exactly when and how the move will proceed, as it will depend on the arrival of new equipment that we do not yet have an ETA for. But we might begin moving shop elements as soon as the weekend of March 8th, with a major push likely on the weekend of March 15th. I will update everyone further once the situation becomes clearer.
