The Lost Club

The idea

A place to find useful electronics, repair a computer, prototype an idea, learn a tool or join a community project. Bring together parts shelves, repair benches, 3D printers, microcontroller experiments and people who enjoy sharing what they know. Give young people opportunities to learn alongside mentors.

A building with a new purpose

We seek free use or a nominal-rent renewable lease of an unused municipal, commercial or workshop building in the Milwaukee area. Partner on a scoped cleanup and renovation plan, then develop a place people have regular reasons to visit: to browse, build, learn and see what others are making.

What Rick can bring

Founder Rick Koston has old PCs, 3D printers, tools, equipment and microcontrollers to contribute. The next step is a detailed inventory. The project would recruit makers, mentors and organizers, and accept equipment selectively as capacity develops.

Reuse and a path to sustainable operations

Refurbished surplus and parts sales could help cover costs, alongside donations, sponsored workshops and grants where eligible. Plastic reuse, including experiments toward recycled printing filament, would develop with appropriate equipment and safe processes. This model needs a practical budget tied to the chosen building.

Start with a walkthrough

1. Review access, utilities, conditions and lawful workshop use.
2. Evaluate renovation scope, safe operations, insurance and operating costs.
3. Agree on lease terms, responsibilities, budget and milestones.
4. Open in phases as the space, equipment and mentors allow.