2014 and Beyond Building Shopping

PS:1 will not be able to fit in its current space forever. Opinions on when the move should happen are varied, but we should enter any process well-informed and ready to make a good decision.

Location

• Close to CTA is important.
• Close to metra is also useful.
• Closer to downtown can encourage groups (similar to LUG) to meet at the space.
• Maybe something like an abandoned school, shuttered Dominick's, old warehouse, etc.

Space requirements

Previous hunts (Newhackspace; 2011 New Space Search) have listed out relevant requirements. They're a good springboard.

Accessibility

• Wide doorways
• Hand rails in bathrooms
• Elevator
• if there are raised entryways, have some ramps that help people drive through

Existing amenities

Power

• Ample household circuits in all rooms - at least 2 20A circuits per room for lounge/classroom. 4 20A circuits for electronics. 8+ 20A circuits in shop, to be distributed by overhead cord reels, in addition to circuits for tools.
• 3 phase is a must. Bonus points for disconnects in place around shop space

Rooms

• Multiple single-occupancy bathrooms at minimum.
• Shower in one of those bathrooms is a plus
• A room to hold meetings/classes/lectures, separate from project working areas.

Other utilities

• Shop Air is a must.