FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Winona Area Makers
July 7, 2025
Winona Creators Collective Announces Location of Largest Community Makerspace in Minnesota, to Open In Late 2025
Winona, MN, July 7, 2025 –
The Winona Creators Collective nonprofit has made significant steps towards opening a makerspace in the former Technigraph facility at 850 W 3rd. The nearly 22,000 square foot facility is conveniently located near ReStore on the west side of town. When it opens in late 2025, it will be the largest community makerspace in Minnesota.
The space will offer dedicated areas for woodworking, pottery, fabric arts, metals, glass, 3d printing/prototyping, a coworking space, a podcast studio, and private studio rentals. The spaces will be stocked with equipment, from common tools to specialized machinery such as CNCs, welders, laser cutters, and more. Members will get 24/7 access to all the resources, and anyone can take classes to learn new skills or techniques.
“The former Technigraph facility has more than history for Winona: it has great infrastructure we’ll be able to easily pivot from manufacturing in order to host a great makerspace,” says Collective President Mark Zocher.
Community members got a glimpse into the space at an informational table at the Winona Farmer’s Market. While kids learned the basics of conductivity playing a fruit keyboard, board members spoke with parents about how STEM and art education at the makerspace would benefit kids and parents alike.
In addition to youth programs and skill training, entrepreneurs will be able to use the makerspace to launch a new business. From Etsy crafters, to inventors making prototypes, to small scale manufacturing, owners can find ways to accelerate their small businesses without having to make large investments in tools. “A makerspace in Colorado named Tinkermill spawned over thirty businesses out of their space, from artisanal earrings to camping equipment. Winona has a strong manufacturing history, and I’m excited to see what new inventions and products can be made locally in our space,” continues Zocher.
While the nonprofit is excited about the progress being made, several things need to fall into place before it can be opened. The organization is currently fundraising for $250k in sponsorships, grants, and donations; all to fund tools and expenses associated with preparing the space. They are also selling “Founders Memberships” to make sure expenses can be covered when first opening. These early memberships are limited to a hundred people and provide discounts and additional benefits to those members who committed early to the space. Businesses and individuals who are interested in sponsorship, donations, or membership should visit winonacreators.org to learn more.
To support the space, the Winona Creators Collective is hosting a ceramics painting night at Two Fathoms Brewery where attendees can paint their own stein. Tickets are $40 with all the proceeds going to the makerspace. Tickets are available while supplies last at winonacreators.org.
About Winona Creators Collective
The Winona Creators Collective is an upcoming collaborative multidisciplinary space for artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in creating, regardless of background. We serve the needs of the greater Winona community by providing access to specialized tools, arts & STEM education, and mentorship opportunities, to uplift the local economy and foster the joy of making.
Media kit, including renderings of the space, is available at https://winonacreators.org/media