Sears think[box] — Attraction in Cleveland

The Sears thinkbox is by far the most innovative creation in Cleveland, with respect to technology and entrepreneurship, education and making things with your hands and your mind. I love bringing my kids here to use the laser cutters and 3-D printers, and “play” on all the other floors of equipment that are free to the public. I think I read that, next to Cal, State, Cleveland has the largest free to the public open maker space in the country, which is phenomenal and a true gift to the residence of Cleveland.

The only downside is that parking is extremely difficult here and it doesn’t need to be!

There are some parking spots in front of the building but for some unknown reason to me or anyone frankly, they are now no longer free to the public to use.

You have to go all the way to Veale Center and pay for parking, which is usually eight dollars a day and then you have to walk over to the thinkbox. I think if they can make parking easier way more people would use this amazing resource.

One more note, I really love interacting with the student employees here. They are smart and easy to work with...

Ian is a visionary who has a passion for forward thinking and often fun projects. I continue to be blown away by the growth of Think Box under his direction.

I have moved to Florida and I have visited other think boxes and they just aren't even in the same league as this place.

Ian and his team are extremely helpful but they want you working on your own steam too. You don't just show up and ask them to build you something.

However if you show up with a passion for creation and a thirst to learn and work, you'll find yourself in Wonka Land for creation. Enjoy it for me... I...

There are so many cool materials and equipment you can dream of here to build whatever you want. The third floor has the laser cutters and 3D printers, and the fourth floor has a welding room, a wood shop, and a metal shop. If you're a student at CWRU, you can apply for the Student Project Fund to build your own...