MakeBoro Center for Arts + Innovation is an adaptive re-use project initiated to transform an long-vacant grocery store located in the heart of the hamlet of Willboro, NY, from a site with negative impact on the community into a community amenity and asset. Premises Architecture is a visionary leader in this project and has worked with the Town of Willsboro and The Nature Conservancy to create a path for property acquisition and to support the development of this property into a community based makerspace featuring an arts/technology/innovation framework and offering educational programs + projects and community collaborations with an emphasis on environmental stewardship.
Premises has provided technical assistance for the project through the development of preliminary plans for the building, its site, and an associated statement of probable costs to support the development proposal and for use in seeking grant funding. Premises organized visioning workshops to facilitate community input and facility programming. The preliminary plans feature multiple shops and studios, a generous storage area, a general space for exhibits, lectures and informal gathering. A “Community Front Porch” will provide an area in front of the building for seasonal events and activities and will feature a roof-top solar array. Heating, Lighting, and Mechanical systems will be state of the art and designed to minimize energy consumption and operating expense.
Work on the building is ongoing. To learn more about MakeBoro and to make a tax-deductable donation visit makersguildinc.org