'Fabrication shop' could be a boon for new businesses

Date: 1/18/2011

Jan. 19, 2011

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

HOLYOKE — Have you ever had an idea for an invention, but didn't have the tools to create a prototype? Do you want to make a hobby into a profession? A new development proposed for Holyoke would give people access to the tools they need and possible incubator space for new businesses to accomplish these goals.

Ben Einstein, the principal of Brain Stream Design, explained to Reminder Publications the concept would be not unlike joining a gym, but instead of access to exercise machines, subscribers would be able to use a wide assortment of tools.

Einstein said his company has run an on-line survey to receive feedback on the project, which has been very positive, and has lined up one of the three investors they need to back the fabrication shop.

If the other investors are obtained, Einstein believes the shop could be open in the late summer.

The shop would offer a facility for activities such as woodworking, welding, machining, glassblowing and sewing, among others, he said. Subscribers could join at various levels and then sign up for time on a machine or see what's available, he added.

There would also be classes to teach people how to operate the various tools.

The fabrication shop "is designed to be very open and flexible," he said.

Einstein's company is buying a building in Holyoke for the fabrication shop and described it as a "renovated mill space with 14' ceilings, high-load wood floors and bare red brick walls, two freight elevators, two loading docks, a 17,000 square foot shop [area], retail space and an online marketplace to sell your goods, private studio and office space available for [about] $3 a square foot."

He was attracted to Holyoke because of several reasons, including "incredibly cheap real estate" and "the power infrastructure."

He called the buildings in Holyoke "hidden gems."

Until his funding is in place, he was reluctant to give more details on the project, but he added, "It's looking very good."

Einstein, a Hampshire College graduate, said people often look at Western Massachusetts and ask how do we make it like Boston or the Silicon Valley in terms of economic development. He believes that is the wrong approach and instead "it's not about duplication, it's about innovation."

The goal with this project is "to build an infrastructure that supports businesses."

Holyoke, he asserted, "is a good place for economic development."

To contact Einstein, e-mail him at ben@brainstreamdesign.com.