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Nonprofit CoCreate Erie outlines makerspace plan for Schofield Farm; town to provide building
Summary
CoCreate Erie (formerly Erie Makerspace) presented a plan to renovate a Quonset Hut at Schofield Farm into a community makerspace with an estimated $100,000 operating budget for the first two years, membership-driven funding, and programming in ceramics, woodworking and 3D printing; council asked about timeline, membership pricing and zoning limits.
CoCreate Erie, the local nonprofit formerly known as Erie Makerspace, presented a 2025 action plan to the Erie Town Council outlining plans to renovate a town-owned Quonset Hut at the Schofield Farm property into a community makerspace.
Karen Hoffmeister, president of CoCreate Erie, said the group envisions a 2,400-square-foot facility at 2263 North 111th Street that will require insulation, power, plumbing, HVAC and ventilation. The board estimates a roughly $100,000 operating budget for the first two years to acquire equipment and supplies and anticipates funding 75% from memberships and 25% from donations, sponsorships and grants.
“We want to be affordable to the community,” Hoffmeister said, noting the organization is studying membership levels used by nearby makerspaces and hopes, because the town subsidizes rent, to set rates substantially below comparable facilities. Hoffmeister said comparable memberships run around $70 per month in the region; CoCreate’s internal target ranges from roughly $40 to $50 per month if operational assumptions hold.
Council members asked about the timeline and site limitations. Hoffmeister said construction and renovation are expected later this year with a realistic opening in early to mid next year, but final timing depends on the parking-lot completion and renovation scheduling. On equipment, the group aims to include a CNC router, woodworking tools, laser cutter, pottery kiln and 3D printers; however, municipal zoning at the open-space site prevents metal forging and glass blowing because those require open flame or tanked gases. Economic development staff suggested possible satellite partnerships with nearby facilities (for example, Boulder-area Solid State Depot) for heavy-metal or high-heat activities.
Council and staff praised the proposal’s emphasis on lifelong learning, sustainability (repair cafes, materials recycling) and partnership with the town. Hoffmeister invited council members to tour the site and to help connect the group to potential donors and corporate partners for larger equipment purchases.
What happens next: Council did not take a funding vote at the meeting. CoCreate Erie said it will finalize equipment lists, membership models and fundraising plans and expects to return with additional details as design and construction timelines firm up.
