“Two heads are better than one” is a well-known saying. So, why not put the two woodworking heads of supply and work together? Some woodworkers in Champaign, Illinois are doing just that by starting a dual-purpose woodworking retail store and workshop that will offer benefits to its members.
Dennis Coleman of Champaign is the originator of the project, which will serve the Champaign-Urbana region. He says that the idea grew from his own need for a larger workspace in which to do woodwork projects. Many other local woodworkers have the same problem. The building, which has a planned opening of October 1st, will take up 15,200 square feet, with the workshop on the west side and the retail store on the east side. The woodshop, to be called The DreamShop, will include band saws, sanders, planers, routers, table saws, joiners, panel saws, drill presses, and computer controlled routers. The retail store, to be called CU Woodshop Supply, will hold about $150,000 to $200,000 worth of quality, brand-name tools.
The retail store will be open to the general public but the workshop will only be open to members. Members will be joint owners in the venture, making an initial $10,000 investment. That will make them a stockholder in the company with a 1/500th share. They will also be required to perform maintenance work on the facility and pay a $1,000 per year maintenance fee.
The facility will be a great place for its members to do woodwork projects. In addition to The DreamShop, they will have access to an owner’s lounge, library, computer lab, and over $150,000 worth of tools and accessories. They will also receive discounts on purchases from CU Woodshop Supply and priority status in signing up for demonstrations and classes that will be held at the facility. Perhaps the greatest benefit is the interaction they will have with the other woodworkers and the sharing of knowledge and ideas.
The side-by-side woodworking shop and supply store will be a unique facility that gives advantages to its shareholders. Perhaps others should take it as an example and start similar facilities in their communities.
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