Maker Works: Ann Arbor makerspace nears 220 members after nonprofit switch

ANN ARBOR. Maker Works has grown from about 120 members to roughly 220 since the workshop traded its for-profit status for nonprofit status in 2021. Tom Root and Dale Grover started the space in 2011; executive director Josh Williams now runs it with help from Fix-It Friday volunteers, who repair broken household items for free with backing from the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation.

Since August 2025, the shop has picked up more than $100,000 in equipment for under 40% of retail value, including a laser cutter that normally runs $25,000 for about $8,000. Annual classes have grown from 600 to 700 up to more than 1,000, with enrollment up 40% year over year. A community partnership program lets members state what they can afford, no proof required, for reduced or free access.

Member Gail Winger found a laser cutter there to fix an embroidery storage problem and built it into GWStitchinDepot, an Etsy shop with more than 7,400 sales. Williams hopes to add a mobile makerspace by 2030.