Maker’s Mill is the (not so) little project that could. The 10,000 SF makerspace was fundraised and built by the dedicated community of Wolfeboro, NH, in two phases between the years of 2017 and 2025.

In the first phase, dating from 2017 to 2022, attention was focused on creating a master plan with Leslie Benson Designs to convert the existing building, which was once an engine repair shop, into their new workshops and offices. Building improvements included modifying the existing building envelope, adding large solar arrays, improving life safety conditions and user accessibility, and creating dedicated program spaces for fabrication.

Maker’s Mill has two floors for fabrication: on the first floor are dedicated wood, metal, and jewelry workshops and a large flex space for hosting events; on the second floor are now fiber and paint studios, which, with the addition of north and south-facing dormers, have views of the downtown. Two new connection points were created between formerly separate wings of the second floor to tie the renovated studio spaces into the Makers Mill staff offices and computer training center. Internal design details that were added by Wolfeboro residents include the stairs and railings, which were created by teachers and students from a local vocational school. Similarly, the interior painting, workshop setup, and greeter desk construction were performed by a dedicated group of volunteers.

The second phase, including office wing renovations and exterior landscaping were completed in 2025.

Client  |  Maker’s Mill

Location  |   Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Photographer  |   Ryan Bent Photography