Mark Z.

Vendors have been rocking and rolling at the makerspace this week, with multiple pieces taking shape. Here’s a quick update on progress towards this community resource:

• HVAC has finally kicked off! This was our big blocker, with vendor selection and then the loan process for our $59k ducting changes.  PMG started ventwork in the space last week, building ducting off site and then assembling it in the southern studios.  We’re not certain how long the rest of the ducting will take, but…

Permits are issued, and walls are going up for the makerspace!  Here’s a bit of a catch up the last few weeks progress around the space:

• Boiler replacement completed, heat is on: The new boiler (funded by the building owner) is now installed and keeping the space a comfortable 72 degrees.  The complex electrical of wiring up 4 boilers meant the project took longer than expected, but it’s nice to be able to walk around the space without a heavy coat on!
• Walls starting to go up: A HUGE…

Plans have been sent by the architect to the city! While we’re still waiting for the city to approve the plans for the wall construction and change in building occupancy, we’ve been trying to keep construction moving in the makerspace.  The following has happened in the last two weeks:

• Boiler replacement has begun: The old boiler was from the 60s and seemed to be put in place before the walls in the offices were built.  PMG has spent the last couple days just cutting out the old boiler so…

We’ve got the keys to the makerspace!  Now we want to regularly update you with our progress as we construct the workshops and prepare for opening (currently planned by end of year). 

• Insurance locked in and keys picked up: allowing us to get in the space and start assessing next steps
• Architect finishing drawings: Our architecture drawings are 95% complete and a draft was sent to us on Friday.  We’ll be giving them some review and sending any changes back, so they can go to the city for…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winona Area Makers 


July 7, 2025

Winona Creators Collective Announces Location of Largest Community Makerspace in Minnesota, to Open In Late 2025

Winona, MN, July 7, 2025 – 

The Winona Creators Collective nonprofit has made significant steps towards opening a makerspace in the former Technigraph facility at 850 W 3rd.  The nearly 22,000 square foot facility is conveniently located near ReStore on the west side of town.  When it opens in late 2025, it will…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winona Area Makers 


June 4, 2025

Fix-It Clinics Return to Winona, Offering Volunteer Help To Repair Your Favorite Possessions

Winona, MN, June 4, 2025 – 

When your favorite pair of jeans develops a hole, or your lamp starts making a buzzing noise, it might be better to fix than to buy new. That’s the idea behind Fix-It Clinics: a chance to learn alongside a volunteer while they help you repair and mend those items otherwise destined for the trash. These…

Looking for a date night activity? Or just want your own highly personalized stein?  Join us for WCC’s first Pottery Painting Night, where you’ll paint a mug and we’ll fire it for you!  This is a fundraiser for the nonprofit makerspace we’re building in town this year.

For people experienced with painting, you’ll appreciate learning that we’re ordering bisqueware stein blanks that will be glazed with high-fire glazes at cone 5/6. We’ll have all the supplies for you to paint your own stein,…

Inspired by the Olathe KS Library Makerspace, we’re introducing our own Maker Monthly Challenge. These challenges are a fun chance to try a new method or material to make a new project. We’ll create a new challenge each month, and encourage people to make a project and share it – either on social media under #makermonthly or in our forums. And if you want to see a material or theme, please tell us!

For our first month, your challenge is to use paper/cardboard as a material in making… a…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winona Area Makers 


March 17, 2025

Nonprofit Winona Creators Collective Formed, Hosting Community Meeting for Upcoming Winona Makerspace

Winona, MN, March 17, 2025 – 

After hearing an outpouring of support for a makerspace in Winona, a group of volunteers have formed a new nonprofit in town to provide a community workshop and education opportunities around art & STEM.  The nonprofit, dubbed the Winona Creators Collective, recently elected a board of…