Nestled on Sewall Avenue is a haven for thinkers, collaborators, artists and the curious.
New to Brookline, The Makery offers workspace, tools and supplies for those looking to create anything from a holiday gift to a prototype of a new tool or product.
Brookline couple Hayley Greenberg and Manuel Cabanas opened The Makery this fall.
“Everybody has something they want to try to make or try to do,” said Cabanas.
Born out of what Greenberg termed the Maker Movement – which evolved from STEAM education programs and a strengthening freelancer, entrepreneurial workforce – the business caters to all kinds, from architect firms and artists, to those simply looking to try something new and creative. Those who step into the basement level space have access to such tools as laser cutters, a 3D printer, a CNC Machine (used for cutting) and software programs like Illustrator and Blender.
It was the growing Maker Movement and Greenberg and Cabanas’ own need for equipment that led them to open The Makery.
Before opening The Makery, Greenberg and Cabanas had worked together for years as engineers and product designers. They often found themselves in need of machines and a space where they could create a prototype of whatever they were working on, but regularly ran into trouble with limited access and high cost.
“We really realized the need for local places like this,” said Cabanas. “This would have been perfect for us.”
The idea for The Makery came from that need, Greenberg said, but it sat “simmering” for a while until one day they stepped into the space at 2 and 12 Sewall Avenue.
“We just looked at each other and said ‘woah, this might work,’” said Cabanas.
At 2 Sewall Avenue, The Makery offers a relaxed co-working space complete with sofas, work tables, a small conference room and complimentary coffee and snacks. A quick walk through a narrow hallway leads to an altogether different kind of workspace located at 12 Sewall Avenue. There, visitors will find different workshops dedicated to various types of projects from 3D printing, to engraving and carving.
The flexible nature of The Makery reflects the intention behind it as a collaborative space open to new ideas and dedicated to serving the varied needs of whoever walks through the door.
“It’s really based on the community and the people that want to come in here,” said Greenberg. “All kinds of people come in, it’s really interesting.”
Open only a few months, The Makery has attracted a range of “makers” from artists and an architect firm to a board game maker currently working on a game with around one hundred pieces.
Those interested in using the co-working space or workshops can either pay to use the space for a day or certain number of hours, or can sign up for a membership. Anyone who uses The Makery once automatically becomes a member for that month and is able to attend member events, according to Greenberg.
“We realize that people need to try things out first before becoming a member,” said Greenberg.
With the aim of being accessible to everyone, Greenberg and Cabanas emphasized that the space is also open for those who are not sure what they want to do but know that they want to make something. For those folks, Greenberg and Cabanas provide suggested projects like creating wooden frames, a lamp and an engraved wooden book cover.
The Makery also offers classes like Intro to Woodworking, taught by a local artist and professor, and may even introduce an advanced class based on interest.
Greenberg and Cabanas are already using user input to determine whether or not to bring in work stations for soldering and painting.
It is the hope of Greenberg and Cabanas to build upon these classes and broaden The Makery’s offerings through events like poetry readings, social events and game nights. According to Greenberg, some interest has been expressed in hosting rough-cut movie screenings for independent filmmakers.
“There are so many possibilities in what we can do,” said Greenberg.
This continuous growth and search for input from members is indicative of how Greenberg and Cabanas plan to expand The Makery. They hope to see use of the space grow not only in the number of members, but they also in the collaborations and exchanges between users. The hope is to have members working together to teach classes, serve as mentors and even help each other develop ideas.
“Everybody has something to offer,” said Cabanas.
