MakerspaceCT Offers Sneak Peek of Hartford’s Newest Innovation

The largest makerspace in Connecticut will soon be opening its doors in downtown Hartford. MakerspaceCT, housed in the historic G. Fox building, is poised to be the second-largest space of its kind in New England when it opens next month.

“This is our future. Making things has always been in Connecticut’s DNA,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, speaking at MakerspaceCT this month at the kick-off to the final phase of construction.

Added Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, “We are pushing forward on so many fronts to make sure that Hartford is a place where we are not just the home to legacy industries but where we are part of the industrial revolutions that are happening today. This space is a vital addition to that innovation ecosystem.”

In recent years, makerspaces have grown in prominence across the country, offering everyone – from inventors, designers, and manufacturers to entrepreneurs, students, and hobbyists – access to the latest technology and equipment needed to bring their ideas to life.

“Our mission here at MakerspaceCT is to positively impact lives by enabling access, innovation, and education. Our vision is to use making as a vehicle to lift up individuals and communities,” said MakerspaceCT Executive Director Devra Sisitsky.

MakerspaceCT will provide members with a 20,000+ square-foot space outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment that may be too expensive or too large to be located in individual homes or small businesses. To help meet the growing demand for such equipment and facilities, MakerspaceCT will help train the workforce – both current and future – in the latest technology, with classes for all types of equipment and tools.

“We believe that Connecticut is poised for success because we’ve been creating record numbers of jobs in our state and we have a record low unemployment level. There are so many new jobs being created right now in manufacturing. We anticipate more than 35,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector in the next few years,” said Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz.

“It is these types of dynamic spaces that allow collaboration and innovation to happen and really create those opportunities for our companies,” said CT Next Executive Director Glendowlyn Thames. “They provide that continuum of services and support that [businesses] need to start, grow, and thrive in our state.”

Through education and access, the organization will help Hartford continue to thrive as well, aiding not only entrepreneurs and small businesses, but also local hobbyists, crafters, students, and artists, providing training for individuals seeking to expand their skills and companies looking to expand their product lines.

Hartford’s latest addition invited many of Connecticut’s public and private leaders to its site for the Final Construction Phase Kick-Off on Friday, March 1, 2019. Led by Devra Sisitsky, attendees gained an inside look at some of the innovative equipment and the reimagined historic space, weeks ahead of the official opening day.

Additional equipment will be arriving and finishing touches will be put on various shops, such as metal fabrication, woodworking, plastics, additive manufacturing, CNC manufacturing, fiber arts, 3D printing and electronics during the next month. Founders Circle memberships, with special introductory offers, are now available.

“The opening of MakerspaceCT in the former G. Fox department store is a wonderful, adaptive reuse of a legendary building,” said Ilene Frank, Acting CEO, Connecticut Historical Society. “As one of Hartford's leading retail spaces, G. Fox & Co. was committed to bringing new ideas to its shoppers, employees, and the greater community. We look forward to seeing what new history will be made in this lab of innovation.”

Attendees also included: Tom Rutledge, Rutledge Family Foundation; Jere Wilson, Founders Circle Member; Drew Gates, MakerspaceCT Education; and Tom Trudell, A&M Industrial Inc., along with members of the Greater Hartford business community, education community, and local nonprofit and community organizations.

More information is available at www.makerspacect.com