Spark Makerspace was founded in 2015 by a group of artists, techies, and entrepreneurs, all of them makers, looking to support creativity by providing urban dwellers and the region with resources they did not have at home. With support from CTNext, the City of New London, and some very generous individuals, we opened our first community workshop space at 86 Golden Street in New London CT in June 2016. In 2017 we relocated to State Street where we grew from 30 to 130 active members. Spark was awarded a Frank Loomis Palmer grant which helped hire an Executive Director, and award 12 scholarships. The move provided an opportunity to restructure the organization and focus on a member-centered approach to organizing. As part of that effort, Spark formed a Member Advisory Council with 2 seats on the Board of Directors. The Council empowered members to develop education policies and procedures. The Council initiated Spark’s hallmark accomplishments of Classes and Meetups where members teach and share skills within the community and with the general public. Spark Makerspace grew beyond the capacity of the State Street location. To accommodate growth and embrace the momentum, Spark and friends bought a historic 9,400 square foot commercial building on Union Street in New London which it renovated throughout 2021, and is proud to say is now completed and open!