Hooper is still working on getting the Makers

" Hooper is still working on getting the Makers into their permanent space at the Leaseway, but moving the Makers into the Temple is what he calls "a partnership of convenience." He said he's been trying to develop the Temple space into a restaurant/bar, but admitted it's been a tough project to finance. I would appeal to anyone who has information He said having the Makers in the space is mutually beneficial: Having responsible tenants using the building prevents vandalism and further deterioration of the property.At the open house event, the second level of the building was transformed into a hands-on showcase of some of the Makers' output, including a mega-Tetris board and a life-sized version of the board game Operation. Over 40 visitors showed up in the first hour alone, which Schmidt said was "well beyond our expectations." Several of the visitors were families with young children who didn't hesitate to grab one of the "working" magic wands or hop on the bike of the human-powered Jacob's Ladder.The second floor is kept open for a variety of uses, while other categories are segmented together.

The laser printer sits on the mezzanine level, while metal and wood workshops are set up on the main level. Adams says the members' skill sets are heavy on electronics and machining, but he would love to get soft craft members in the space.Lansing native Adams, 32, works as a programmer at Michigan State University at the College of Arts and Letters. He worked for years to assemble the local inventors who became the group's founding members."They're trying to something that doesn't really exist around Lansing," Hooper said. "When they've established that, it's going to be a real catalyst for projects. Whether it's in business or expanding creativity, it's an outlet for people in the community who otherwise wouldn't have access to that equipment."Following the afternoon open house event was the Lansing Makers Network Opening Party. It was a chance for the members and friends to celebrate their work and successes thus far.Adams said several of the visitors expressed interest in memberships, which run between $50 and $80 per month, with discounts at three months and one year. Membership fees help pay for rent, utilities and insurance.