Maker Spaces and Co-Working

Maker spaces and co-working facilities are collaborative work spaces designed to aid small/start-up entrepreneurs and artists through a combination of affordable rents, common facilities/equipment/services, and opportunities for education and training. By one estimate the number of co-working spaces in the U.S. has doubled every year since 2006. In Baltimore, a number of former industrial buildings in the inner city have been re-purposed as maker or co-working facilities – new opportunities replacing blight and decline.

Amy Bonitz, Baltimore Arts Realty Corporation

Amy Bonitz leads a non-profit development company whose mission is to provide affordable, safe and sustainable facilities for Baltimore's growing community of artists, designers, curators, performers, creative ventures, and nonprofit arts organizations. BARCO acquires, develops, leases, and manages properties in Baltimore's three Arts and Entertainment Districts that enable creative individuals and organizations to work, perform, exhibit, and thrive. Currently the NGO is managing the redevelopment of 58,000 sf of space in two buildings - the Motor House, a $6 million arts hub, and Open Works, a $10 million maker space.

Ilana Preuss, Recast City LLC

Ilana Preuss is the Founder of Recast City LLC, a consulting firm that works with real estate developers, city and other civic leaders to integrate manufacturing space for small-scale producers into redevelopment projects and place-based economic development. She is passionate about making great places and sees that small-scale manufacturers are a missing piece in today’s mixed-use development and commercial property repositioning. With nearly 20 years of experience in city development, Ms. Preuss works with real estate developers and other local leaders to go from idea to plan to action to build great places. Most recently, Ilana served as Vice President and Chief of Staff at Smart Growth America.

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Street and Site Parking Lot available

Accessible via the CharmCity Circulator Purple Route (with additional walking)

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Susannah M. Bergmann, President

LAI Baltimore Chapter

sbergmann@kaliberconstructioninc.com

(443) 465-6781

LAI Baltimore Program Amy Bonitz, BARCO, and Ilana Preuss, ReCast City, on Maker Spaces and Co-Working