Not Sure Which DFW Makerspace Is Right For You? Here’s Your Guide

makerspace

The makerspace community is thriving in Dallas-Fort Worth and has something to offer everyone from video gamers and podcasters to quilters and graphic designers. Scattered all over the region and ranging from two members to 1,200, read this list of makerspaces to find your perfect fit.


FOR TECH LOVERS

THELAB.MS PLANO MAKERSPACE
Cost: $30 per a month or $250 a year
Location: 1915 N. Central Expressway, Suite 370, in Plano
The atmosphere: The Lab.Ms Plano Makerspace was described as a “do-ocracy” by vice president Roxy Dehart as it is member-driven and entirely volunteer-led. The nonprofit was founded in January 2014 with a focus on IT, but it is expanding the facility to provide more options including quilting. Members can be found 3D printing, recording podcasts in the AV room, or developing independent video games. The popular Brew of the Month event creates community among members and allows them to experiment with new brewing techniques. Keep an eye out for more information on the 6th annual Sling Fest on Oct. 30. Come out and watch trebuchets catapult pumpkins for a seasonal event, or build your own device and compete for prizes. 
Website: thelab.ms
Social media: Follow @TheLab_ms on Twitter, facebook.com/thelabms, and meetup.com/TheLab-ms
More Info: Email Roxy Dehart at [email protected]

 

THE FORGE AT DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Cost: free 
Location: Denton Public Library North Branch, 3020 N. Locust St., in Denton
What to expect: Tucked away in the back of the Denton Public Library North Branch is The Forge, a makerspace geared toward electronic and programming projects. Technology librarian Trey Ford is in charge of basic operations for the facility, which opened in May 2014 with a focus on a little bit of everything. Now that The Forge is attracting people in the technology sector, its stocking up on the necessary equipment including 3D printers, soldering tools, and a computer lab of both Macs and PCs loaded with a variety of software. Makers from ages 6 to 70 years old utilize the space for both classes and independent projects, such as a home brewing system made from Arduino Software. The one-room computer lab is a smaller setting than other Dallas-Fort Worth makerspace options, but the slow traffic allows for a quiet space to focus.
Website: dentonpl.com/forge
Social media: facebook.com/dentonpubliclibrary
More Info: Call Trey Ford at 940-349-8752


FOR ARTISTS AND BUILDERS

DALLAS MAKERSPACE
Cost: $50 per a month or $540 per a year
Location: 1825 Monetary Lane, Suite 104, in Carrollton
The atmosphere: The Dallas Makerspace in Carrollton is the largest makerspace in the country based on its membership size. One of the most interesting items created at the Dallas Makerspace, according to the head of public relations Mellissa Rhodes, is a 3D scanner on a hula-hoop track. The user can sit in the middle and get a full-body scan. The group moved into its current building two years ago with 400 members, and it has grown to 1,200 members. To get involved, members can choose from a variety of committees, including creative arts, science, laser arts, woodworking, and fire arts. Collaboration is what makes Dallas Makerspace successful Rhodes said, as members combine their tools and skills to create more than they ever could alone.
Website: dallasmakerspace.org
Social media: Follow @dallasmakers on Twitter and facebook.com/dallasmakerspace
More info: Email Mellissa Rhodes at [email protected]
Read this Dallas Innovates article to learn about SweetBot, a creative project that came from a Dallas Makerspace member. 

 

ACME CREATION LAB
Cost: $50 a month for access to the space anytime seven days a week; private studio spaces available for rent
Location: 1219 S. Riverfront Boulevard, in Dallas
The atmosphere: This South Dallas makerspace in a converted warehouse provides a mix of tools and space for bigger projects. It’s 450-square-foot Electronics Lab includes offerings such as an oscilloscope, soldering and rework station, multimeters, and random function generator. Creators are encouraged to bring their own tools to share. 
Website: acmecreationlab.org
Social media: Follow acmecreationlab on Instagram and facebook.com/acmeworksllc
More info: Call 949-633-9244 or email [email protected]


READ NEXT Explore the Makerspace interactive map on the Dallas-Fort Worth Innovation Guide


FOR ENTREPRENEURS

THE MIX COWORKING & MAKER SPACE
Cost: Prices ranging from $75 for part-time to $200 for full-time access per month and dedicated space for up to two people $375 per month. Application fees from $25 to $75. 
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: 9125 Diceman Drive, in Dallas
The atmosphere: Housed in the basement of White Rock United Methodist Church, The Mix Coworking & Maker Space is a place for various artists and professionals. It features an artists’ studio with sinks, textiles workroom, sewing lab with Viking sewing machines, a conference room, sound production studio, and dance studio. “It’s a very lively space. There’s a lot going on, but if people need quiet and privacy we have little nooks and crannies where you can go do that,” The Mix catalyst Daryn DeZengotita told the Dallas Morning News in January. Weekly events such as Social Media and Pancakes on Thursdays offer tips and opportunities for relationship-building.
Website: themixcoworking.spaces.nexudus.com/en
Social: Follow @themixcoworking on Twitter and facebook.com/themixcoworking
More info: Email [email protected]

 

ROCKWALL MAKERSPACE 
Cost: $50 per a month
What to expect: This makerspace was started by electrical engineers Keith Buchanan and his son, Blake. Members can utilize a wood shop, metal shop, 3-D printers, a break room, a laser machine, and a computer hackerspace. There is 24/7 access to the space for members and talk of classes in different crafts.
Location: 2010 Industrial Blvd., Suite 604, in Rockwall
Website: rockwallmakerspace.com
Social: Follow @rockwallmakers on Twitter, rockwallmakerspace on Instagram, and facebook.com/rockwallmakerspace/


FOR SCIENTISTS

FRISCO DISCOVERY CENTER (SCI-TECH DISCOVERY CENTER)
Cost: $8 for ages 3-64 years old, discounts available for military, seniors and groups. Annual memberships available from $65 to $140 
Location: 8004 N. Dallas Parkway, in Frisco
The atmosphere: The Frisco Discovery Center is a place for people to come in and make things, go to a camp, or even tour the interactive kid’s museum. With a 3D printer coming in August, and a full spectrum laser cutter, the space offers equipment to produce various things. Currently, anyone can come in and work during a scheduled time, and there will be memberships introduced in the fall. During the kids maker classes, parents are welcome to join and build alongside them. Classes are also offered to beginners who want to find their niche. “There are a lot of people who have creative goals and ideas. There are a lot of places for people to start their small businesses, a big thing for us is to help people with workshops, having mentors so people can get all of their questions answered. We are creative people who do the same thing,” executive director of the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Peter Claffey, said about the space.
Website: mindstretchingfun.org
Social: Follow @SciTechDC on Twitter, scitechd on Pinterest, facebook.com/SciTechDiscoveryCenter, and SciTechDiscovery on YouTube
More info: Email Peter Claffey at [email protected]


This report is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of makerspaces in North Texas. Have a makerspace to add?  Send us your information for consideration.

This article was updated on Nov. 26, 2018 to correct and remove outdated information.

Julia Falcon and Nealie Sanchez contributed to this report.


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