Talent Maker City has purchased land for a new building in the downtown business core, which will allow expansion of its operations for classes and workshops, and provide opportunities for businesses to use the space and equipment.
Lots in the 100 block of Talent Avenue totaling 0.38-acres were purchased for $300,000. A 6,000-square-foot building is envisioned, with total project cost estimated to be near $3 million. The project will contribute to the rebuilding of Talent following the 2020 Almeda Fire.
“It will be one of the first business buildings that’s going to be constructed. Talent lost a lot of businesses. It will be so exciting,” said Alli French, executive director of the nonprofit. “The next step will be working with the board of directors and a project subcommittee. We are kind of right in the middle of moving forward to building.”
Talent Maker City received a $1.8 million grant from the state under the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 to be used toward purchase of a site and construction of a building. Talent’s Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for the project June 28. Architectural review approval was also given to conceptual building and site designs.
The nonprofit formed in 2016. It currently offers classes and workshops and limited access for businesses at 3,700 square feet of leased space on Main Street a little over a block from the new site. The group’s mission calls for community access to use tools and facilities, but that has been largely interrupted by the pandemic.
Maker City worked for seven moths with Ausland Group to draft the conceptual design and prepare its conditional use application. Before that the organization searched the downtown area to find a good home.
The design is an homage to buildings that were there before the fire. Over the years, those structures had housed a number of businesses, including Inti restaurant, Video Quick and Biscuits & Vinyl, which burned in the fire but has reestablished nearby. The buildings initially were constructed as the Talent Auto Court in the 1920s.
Designers came up with a more modern building initially, but the subcommittee asked for something that reflects the heritage of the area where it will be built, said Robyn Janssen, community engagement coordinator. The site lies just north of the burned-out Malmgren Garage, which is schedule for restoration.
“This is a great thing for this valley, for the people in Talent. This will bring a lot of skills and opportunities to get more skills for people who don’t have access to that kind of teaching,” said Gil Livni, a Maker City board member and owner of Magnolia Fine Homes.
Livni said he came to this country with $200 and a degree, but he didn’t know how to do anything. He learned that through construction.
“It will open new doors for people to succeed. It’s a good chance for people to develop their lives,” said Livni. “I’m the picture of what this space could do for people.”
Fundraising will get underway in the fall, said Janssen. She previously did fundraising for KS Wild and Rogue Riverkeeper. A campaign for about $1 million or a little more is envisioned.
“There are definitely some foundations we have been supported by in the past. We will see if there’s support for capital projects,” said Janssen. The organization will seek foundation support first, then look for private donations with a public campaign coming down the road.
The building will occupy all of the Talent Avenue frontage and about half of the West Valley View Road frontage. The back portion of the lot will be an open space that can accommodate some small structures, events and gatherings, as well as covered, open-air sites for classes or work in welding or other activities better carried on outdoors. A kiln may also be located in the area.
“Right now, the design we have would allow for community markets and community events,” said French. Collaborations with the Talent Artisan and Growers Market, the city’s Public Art Committee and other similar groups will be pursued for use of the new site.
Resilience also will be incorporated into the structure with plans for a metal roof and fire-resistant siding, said French. Solar panels likely will be in the design also.
After the board approves moving ahead, work will begin with architects and contractors. Applications to the city for building permits may occur in late fall or early winter, said Janssen. Groundbreaking could happen in early 2023.
Maker City is conducting an online survey to determine what sort of facilities and operating protocols are desired by community members. The survey asks what times and days would work, what should be charged for use of the space and equipment, as well as membership structure.
The survey asks respondents to choose the types of activities and facilities they want, including wood shops, screen-printing, ceramics, fiber arts, laser engraving and 3D printing and welding. More information and the survey can be found at talentmakercity.org.
Reach Ashland freelance writer Tony Boom at tboomwriter@gmail.com.