MakeHaven is planning a facility expansion and infrastructure improvement project at 770 Chapel Street in New Haven to increase access to tools, workspace, and community-serving programs.
Overview
MakeHaven has grown significantly since moving into its current facility and now serves a large and diverse community of makers, inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, learners, and neighbors. As demand has increased, available space has become a limiting factor. At the same time, MakeHaven has raw and underutilized space within and adjoining its current footprint that could be converted into productive, flexible makerspace if capital funding is secured.
This project will focus on building out underutilized space so it can support expanded makerspace operations and public-serving programming. Planned improvements include core construction, infrastructure, ventilation, electrical, lighting, safety, storage, fixtures, furnishings, and other improvements needed to make the space safe, functional, and accessible.
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to expand MakeHaven’s ability to serve the community through:
- Affordable access to tools and workspace
- Hands-on learning and technical skill-building
- Prototyping and project development
- Repair and tool lending
- Entrepreneurship-supporting infrastructure
- Flexible space for mission-aligned public programming
Why This Matters
MakeHaven provides access to tools, training, and workspace that many residents could not otherwise afford. Expanding usable space will allow MakeHaven to increase capacity, improve safety and functionality, and better serve current and future participants. This investment will strengthen one of Connecticut’s most active community makerspaces and support broader economic opportunity, creativity, and technical learning in New Haven.
Project Status
Planning for this expansion is underway. MakeHaven has previously received City of New Haven planning approval related to expansion of its area of operation at 770 Chapel Street, including renovation of existing interior rooms. The current project builds on that prior planning work.
Location
MakeHaven
770 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT