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I3 Detroit looks for new, bigger space for growth

Thursday, March 04, 2010

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Last fall, i3 Detroit opened its doors in downtown Royal Oak with an eye on creating a communal space for makers, inventors and entrepreneurs. Today the demand has grown so much the small business incubator is looking for a bigger and better home.

"Things are going really well," says Nick Britsky, director at large for i3 Detroit. "We have outgrown our space and are looking for a bigger space."

The Russell Industrial Center-style cooperative opened in a 1,500-square-foot room at 322 E Fourth St. The room is large enough for heavy tools, electronics and a studio/lounge. It's all open, communal space.

Organizers are now working to move by the end of the month. Possibilities include Ferndale, Troy, and Warren. The Ferndale space measures out to be about 8,000 square feet, which is five times bigger than the current site.

That should be more than enough room for i3 Detroit's 20 paid members. It also hosts a number of classes such as crafting, electronics, woodworking and metalworking.

i3 is an national non-profit that got its start in New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. It encompasses a wide range of interests and professions, such as machinists, programmers, artists and electrical engineers. It also hosts public classes and workshops on woodworking, Linux, amateur radio, telecom architecture, computer programming and automobile repair.

Source: Nick Britsky, director at large for i3 Detroit
Writer: Jon Zemke

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