Lowell Makes, Inc. — Attraction in Lowell

Lowell Makes is a nonprofit makerspace in Lowell, Massachusetts, offering a collaborative environment for creators, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists. Established in 2013, it provides members with access to diverse workshops, tools, and a vibrant community focused on education, entrepreneurship, and engagement . 

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🛠️ Facilities & Equipment

Located at 130 Western Avenue, Lowell Makes spans two floors:  • First Floor: Features a co-working area, classrooms, and a gallery space visible from the street, enhancing community interaction .  • Lower Level: Houses specialized workshops, including: • Woodworking shop with safety equipment like a SawStop table saw. • Metalworking and leatherworking areas equipped with vintage machinery. • Pottery studio and electronics lab. • Advanced tools such as a modern electron microscope. 

The space is designed to minimize noise and dust, ensuring a comfortable working environment.

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👥 Membership Options

Memberships grant 24/7 access and vary to suit different needs:  • Entrepreneur ($99/month): Ideal for business use, includes storage, meeting room access, and equipment reservations.  • Professional ($74/month): For serious users, offering storage and discounted rentals. • Maker ($49/month): Tailored for hobbyists, with optional storage rentals. • Student/Young Adult ($35/month): For individuals under 21 or with a valid student ID . 

Members can attend weekly Open Houses on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM for orientation and community engagement. 

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🎨 Community & Events

Lowell Makes fosters a strong community through various events: • Skill-Sharing Events: Such as the Mill City Skill Share, offering free workshops on crafts like guitar basics, yo-yo art, and CNC metalworking .  • Fundraisers: Including campaigns for equipment upgrades like a new laser cutter, demonstrating active member involvement .  • Educational Programs: Classes on topics like spindle-turning, providing hands-on learning opportunities . 

Members often highlight the collaborative atmosphere and the opportunity to learn from peers . 

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📊 Organizational Transparency

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Lowell Makes is committed to its mission but has areas for improvement in transparency:  • Charity Navigator Rating: Two out of four stars, with a program expense ratio of 79.13%, indicating most funds support programs.  • Governance: Strong board independence but lacks certain policies like a whistleblower policy, affecting its accountability score . 

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Lowell Makes stands out as a dynamic space for creators in the Merrimack Valley. With its extensive facilities, diverse membership options, and active community events, it offers valuable resources for individuals looking to innovate and collaborate. While there are areas for organizational improvement, the makerspace’s commitment to fostering creativity and learning makes it a noteworthy asset in the region. 

For more information or to get involved, visit...

This is an excellent maker space for those that want to explore a craft or trade but lack the space to build those skills. Makers can also run workshops to instruct nonmembers and members alike in various studies from ceramics to woodworking, leather working and cosplay development. Tools shared between mediums are available and there are spaces to unwind if need arises.

So far I've taken 2 ceramics classes with Chelsi and The Pottery Mill. Chelsi is great at adjusting her teaching style to accommodate the crowd she is instructing. She is the best kind of 'hands on', helping students make their own creative decisions assisting to ensure that everyone receives equal attention.

I'm also looking forward to a future workshop that offers wooden bowl turning. This is especially salient given my own craft of wood burning.

Check out their open house on Wednesdays and see what...

I have been a member of lowell makes for a few years now. Compared to other space the community at this place is really excellent. It's easy to find mentors, friends, or fellow makers to get assistance with a project or even feedback on an idea or complete project. Lowell makes also treats is vollenteers very well.

Considering that the entire place is run by vollenteers it is very well managed. Each shop is lead by a captain who has experience with scope of the shop. The committees also do a great job of keeping the place moving forward.

If your looking to create or even start a business but lack the funds for the tools or the knowledge required then you would do well to give the...