We know Dabblers are a resourceful, creative bunch. That’s why, with a new mission at hand, we are turning to you for advice! One of our most beloved Dabble instructors, Joseph Budka, is on the hunt for a new workspace and needs your help.
Those of you who have met Joseph probably have a beautiful piece of furniture or hand-hewn decor in your home. Funny and generous with a table saw, Joseph has been an awesome instructor and a helping hand to packs of potential Ron Swansons. We at Dabble would love to see him continue to pursue and share his passion, and so we’re hoping to help him find the perfect home. Below are some of his specifications:
Joseph would prefer a raw space where light industrial activities and art-making will be acceptable to the landlord. He has equipment for woodworking, staining and finishing, metal fabrication, and welding. As such, noise, dust, odors, open flame, etc. must be acceptable. Joseph and his team take all precautions with their equipment and projects: they utilize proper ventilation and air filtering, observe proper safety precautions, and train everyone on how to correctly and safely use their equipment. They also keep safety gear, first aid materials, fire extinquishers, emergency contact info, etc. on hand just in case. A correctly zoned space will be heavy commercial (C-2 or C-3 I believe are the correct zoning codes) to light industrial (M-1 to M-2).
The team will need about 2000 – 5000 square feet with concrete floors, ideally on the first floor, with a drive-in loading dock or garage area. They are also seeking 115 and 230 single phase power supply, ideally already wired up. Lastly, they hope for permission to build out and subdivide space where neccesary.
And, of course, for Chicago’s ever-fickle seasons: sunlight and windows that can be opened, and a solid heating system for the winter.
Joseph is looking in Pilsen, Birdgeport, Brighton Park, McKinley Park, and Berwyn primarily, though he is open to other areas. Their absolute dream-location would be near an L stop or 24 hour bus line, close to highways and in a safer nieghborhood.
Joseph has told Dabble his budget is about $2 – $6 gross annually. His team would prefer not to exceed $4 per square foot, but are flexible for the right space.
Thank you so much for your help in the hunt, Dabblers! Let us know if you can think of exactly the place that would best house our favorite woodworker.