Friday, November 22, 2013

THE SHOP: Weekend Warriors

This past weekend I had a bit of an epiphany. Over my past 5 years of being a Chicago resident I've inadvertently been surrounding myself with a very tactical group of friends. Friends who not only have a great aesthetic eye due to their wide range of creative backgrounds, but who also revel in getting dirty and building things with their hands. A down right deadly force when it comes to getting shit done, well. On returning to our new shop space after a parts run I yanked open the 8 foot blast door to find a Santa's Workshop of buzzing activity. The cogs were spinning so efficiently I was afraid that just by stepping into the room I'd become the proverbial wrench in the gears.

From Friday evening to Sunday night these guys clocked in over 30 hours of work just to help get us on our feet. Thanks to all who lent a hand. My feeling of gratitude was and still is overwhelming. Here are some shots from the weekend, taken by Scott Collins of Freeform (a shared member of the space).























7 comments:

  1. CXRiderNovember 22, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    Wow, what a great space! What are your plans going forward, Dave? Are you going to be building full-time? What's the 5 year plan? The reason I ask is because I have been thinking about my own plans for growth over the next couple of years, and I would eventually love to be doing enough bikes to justify a similar space. I must admit though, making the leap from my one-car garage to a great space like this, and all of the costs associated with it, makes me nervous.

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    1. David MucciNovember 22, 2013 at 1:41 PM

      I'll still be working at the design studio by day and here by nights and weekends.

      Delete
  2. AlexNovember 22, 2013 at 1:27 PM

    so jealous of that space. just started looking for something like that, but maybe half the size, near wicker park. any advice for someone in the market?

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    1. David MucciNovember 22, 2013 at 1:42 PM

      We searched for about a year. Small industrial spaces in this city are impossible to find. If you can get by with 350sqft then just rent a 2-car garage. It'll be way cheaper and they're much easier to find. The above space is about 1100 sqft.

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    2. AlexNovember 22, 2013 at 2:18 PM

      i can make do with the size of a 2-car garage. i just wish it had heat and running water. thanks for the advice!

      Delete
    3. David MucciNovember 25, 2013 at 9:39 AM

      The price jump is huge. 350sqft of residential garage will run you about $.57/sqft with included electricity. Industrial space in Chicago runs about $1/sqft...plus you need a business license, and insurance, and permits, and to pay utilities, and garbage pick up....etc etc etc

      Delete
  3. UnknownNovember 27, 2013 at 3:13 PM

    i think you need more guys running that ply through the tablesaw

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