HeatSync Labs is one step closer to having a new home.
Board members for the experimental nonprofit for engineers and artists, currently based out of Gangplank in downtown Chandler, met Thursday night and unanimously approved pursuit of a proposed lease for 2,000 feet of space in downtown Mesa at 140 W. Main St., according to high-ranking officer Jacob Rosenthal.
The two-year deal would cost HeatSync $1,300 per month, and the city is offering to subsidize utility upgrades to provide three-phase power and increased voltage.
A search committee looked at locations around the Valley but ultimately decided downtown Mesa was the best fit for their endeavors. The “hackerspace” describes itself as “a coworking facility that makes workspace, tools, equipment, and other resources available, while creating a community of collaboration and learning-by-doing.”
Board member Will Bradley commented about the Mesa site’s suitability on a previous Nerdvana article shortly before the vote:
“There is certainly a lot of space available everywhere, however 140 W. Main in Mesa fit HeatSync’s needs the best. The issue of space was that we were outgrowing Gangplank, not Chandler. Compelling locations were toured in each town.”
This echoed the search committee’s report:
“Our decision was by no means easy and visibly pained committee members during the process. We wish we could be in all cities near all the amazing people we met. However, we feel 140 W Main is the strongest choice for the future HeatSync Labs enabling us to best fulfill our mission and support our community.”
The proposed lease indicates a possible move-in date of June 1.
The addition of the hackerspace would add to a growing renaissance of nontraditional businesses in Mesa’s urban core. In an East Valley Tribune report by Garin Groff published online Thursday and in Friday’s paper, HeatSync honcho Jeremy Leung said the creative atmosphere was a significant factor:
“One of our biggest benefits is actually being able to tie together all these different groups with the events that we do.”
Photo credit: JohnKit
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