Gizmo temporarily closes
Innovative Instructor Alayna Utt goes over a few tips to make a balloon-powered car cross the finish line in February 20203 during Tinker Time at the Gizmo makerspace. Twenty students were given resources to build a STEM-inspired project, like balloon-powered cars.
JOSA SNOW/Press
COEUR d’ALENE — Nonprofit makerspace Gizmo-CDA has closed until it obtains a certificate required to operate from its space on the North Idaho College campus.
While the makerspace areas are closed, kids’ camps and administrative operations have continued in other areas on campus.
The issue stems from 2018, when Gizmo moved to NIC, according to a July 28 email from Gizmo to supporters. At that time, a certificate of occupancy was not obtained for the space.
“While we believe we are very close to regaining occupancy for our beloved community, we have had to adapt to get to this point,” the email said. “Each day brings new action plans and ideas for further adaptations to allow for minimal interruption until we are back in our home.”
In early July, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses asked NIC to disallow further use and occupancy by Gizmo until certification is obtained.
NIC administration reportedly informed Gizmo on July 14.
Since then, according to the July 28 email, Gizmo and NIC have worked with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, state fire marshals and H2A Architects in Coeur d’Alene to resolve the matter.