Possibility for Minnesota: Adding Offseason Events

[Shrub]

Originally Posted by blueyoshi256

Space would definitely be tight. However, the math still works out, even with 10x10. And 8x8 would require significantly less space. Even if that were to fail, with a smaller event, it may be possible to discard pits altogether for space to work and communal tools.

I've never seen communal space/work happen apart from practice field areas with 4-5 teams. That would be interesting.

[blueyoshi256]

Yes it would be. It is more possible with 15 teams than with 30. I imagine the reality would be something like when teams move their pits to be closer to the field during elims. And obviously, a bigger space would be used if possible. 4,000 might be close to a minimum for this.

[Mark McLeod]

Don't forget to rough-in the overhead costs, such as:
- 501c3 organization to account for liability (and to handle the contracts and large amounts of money involved)
- Blanket insurance policy to protect both the facility and the participants from damage
- Facility security, custodial, and possibly maintenance
- Facility utilities such as electric/heat

With a school those types of things might be taken for granted.
For instance, maybe locate an unused/mothballed elementary school that can be used.

[blueyoshi256]

I did forget the insurance. That might up the cost significantly. The cost estimate was found by googling "twin cities industrial space", and looking at the first page. It showed a $3,200 4,000 sq. ft. space that included utilities. Granted, that might be too good to be true, but some networking might be able to keep the cost down.

[Knufire]

Some resources that might help:

http://mez.engin.umich.edu/
http://team624.org/?controller=page&action=steamCenter
http://www.peddie.org/Page/Academics...eddie-Robotics

[Meredith Novak]

Originally Posted by blueyoshi256

I did forget the insurance. That might up the cost significantly.

Until 2011, FRC 16 met in private space and had to buy liability insurance through our 501(c)(3). It was surprisingly cheap. IIRC about $400 per year for $3,000,000.

[MrRoboSteve]

Other attributes of space that you'll want to consider:

ceiling height
clear span
power

It's possible the space will require bathroom expansion, because bathroom requirements derive from the maximum number of people on site at one time, and warehouses typically are low on that measure.

Parking will be a significant issue at warehouses if you want to run events, because most warehouse space has a low number of parking spaces per square foot of space.

You'll also need to determine whether it's a permitted use in the zoning district that it's located in, and apply for and receive a conditional use permit if it's not.

[gblake]

County fairgrounds often have large open warehouse-y sorts of spaces that have pro's and cons.

One pro might be fewer of the bureaucratic and logistical headaches that accompany using a true warehouse.

And rural areas sometimes have nice(ish) fairgrounds.