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Erie council approves construction contract for Schofield Makerspace after public support
Summary
The Town of Erie voted to award a construction contract to JOC Construction for the Erie Makerspace at the Schofield property after residents and staff described the project's community, educational and economic benefits; council discussed membership, ADA access and parking before approving the notice to proceed.
Erie's Town Council approved a construction contract with JOC Construction on Aug. 12 to remodel the Quonset-style building at the Schofield property into a community makerspace, a project staff and volunteers said will host classes, repair services and hands-on learning.
Luke Bollinger, identified in the meeting as the town's director of parks and recreation, outlined the site's history and the project's development: town purchase in 2014, a 2018 community vision plan, a 2021 economic development administration feasibility grant and 2023 construction documents by Formworks Design Group. Bollinger described a two-sided layout for the Quonset hut with a 'clean' side for electronics and digital fabrication and a 'dirty' side for woodworking and ceramics, plus a central classroom and accompanying site and barn rehabilitation work.
Julian (staff) and volunteer leaders from the CoCreate nonprofit described operational plans. The volunteer group plans to run the makerspace initially with volunteers, later transitioning to paid staff when funding permits. Proposed membership rates presented at the meeting were about $40 per month for individuals, $25 for discounted categories, and a $100 family rate; staff projected first-year membership revenue between $50,000 and $75,000, with roughly 75% from memberships and 25% from fundraising.
Supporters who spoke during public comment framed the makerspace as a civic resource. Melita Pierce, a longtime area teacher, said the space would provide tools and room for classes and art projects that currently have 'no place to happen.
Council members asked how membership access and capacity would be managed, whether the facility would meet ADA standards and whether parking had been sized for combined Schofield site uses. Staff said the Phase 2 site improvements include parking sized to accommodate both the Schofield campus and the makerspace; restrooms and the facility are being designed to meet applicable building codes and ADA requirements; and access will include 24/7 key-fob entry for members with scheduled closures for workshops and classes.
After discussion the council moved and approved the resolution authorizing the contract and issuance of a notice to proceed to JOC Construction. Mayor Moore closed the makerspace item by thanking volunteers and noting the project's alignment with the town's arts and community-building goals.
The council did not specify an exact construction start date at the meeting beyond staff saying a notice to proceed would be issued promptly; the agenda indicated a 180-day timeline from approval for the remodel work. The council also announced a community groundbreaking event for the Schofield property scheduled for Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m.
The contract award and the vote were recorded as part of the meeting's consent/regular business; the town will return to the council as needed for contract administration and project updates.
