Know Your Neighbor: Sector67

By Megan Williamson, Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara Neighborhood Association

I’m going to be writing an occasional column in the SASY Spotlight called Know Your Neighbor. I want to talk with people, businesses or groups that some may know or are aware of — or maybe they happily fly under the radar. Their work, ideas and contributions define and nourish the spirit of the Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara neighborhood. This is the first one.

I’m guessing all of us have had this same sort of experience: We are taking a familiar route through a neighborhood, either driving, biking or walking. Suddenly we “see” something for the first time, even though we’ve probably passed by it for months or maybe years.

Perhaps this has been your experience with the Sector67 building at 56 Corry St. Corry Street runs parallel to Waubesa Street from Atwood Avenue to Milwaukee Street, smack dab in the heart of SASY and just one long block from the Goodman Community Center.

Chris Meyer is the brainchild and director of Sector67. He graduated from UW-Madison in 2008 with a degree in mechanical engineering. The economy was unforgiving at that time, so when Meyer was offered a spot as a graduate student to work on diesel engine emissions systems in a lab funded by the Department of Energy and General Motors, he readily accepted. When he graduated with his master’s in 2010, he suddenly realized that he had lost all access to the school’s free (for students) tools and equipment lab.

That realization started the idea that Sector67 became. Meyer graduated and worked without pay for six years in order to get that idea to the point of sustainability.

From 2005 to 2010, he competed in several business plan and invention competitions and did quite well. In 2010, with that shocked realization that he no longer had access to tools and technology still fresh in his mind, Meyer entered into the UW-Madison’s Transcend Madison Innovation Competition and pitched his idea for creating shared spaces for everyone to have equal access to all kinds of equipment.

In essence, he was in search of “democracy of technology,” a place where costs are lower and collaborations higher because more people become involved. The judges loved his idea and he walked away with a second-place prize. His earnings from 2010 totaled $11,500, which he earmarked for “the Sector.”

The collective’s first home was in the old Anderson Thomas buildings in the 2110 block of Winnebago Street. Though called Sector67, it was monikered hackerspace and makerspace, as the nonprofit collaborative became dedicated to providing a safe environment where people could learn, teach, be hands on, build and create next generation technology.

It was a relatively small space, and it quickly became clear that people were thirsty for the idea of the collective use of tools, ideas and equipment. After learning that the landlord had redevelopment in mind for those buildings (the project ultimately stalled), Sector67 packed up, moved out and started a search for a new home. Little did Meyer and the board of directors know, they would continue looking for a new place they could call home for six years until they found and purchased the Corry Street property in 2018.

The building has a very interesting past: it was initially a Butler Corp (Chicago) pre-fab that was purchased in 1949 by Sears and used as a catalogue distribution center. It passed through multiple owners and uses before Sector67 bought the building in late 2017.

The main space is almost indescribable. There is equipment for welding, casting and working with concrete, sheet metal and plastics. There is a machine shop, 3D printer, laser cutter and more.

Those who join Sector67 pay a monthly fee. Most that join are individuals, but not all. The East High Robotics Team uses the space to work on their projects. There are classes offered, and soon another classroom, event and conference spaces will be added.

The entire building exemplifies the idea of reuse and repurposing. Sector67 saved around $250,000 by salvaging and having volunteers assist with installations for the building, like the building entry from the Chase Bank on Monona Drive, duct work from the old Circus Space and the roof from Zion Church

Meyer’s story is about a young man who had some big ideas. It’s also a story of a person who believed strongly in preservation and who wants to pass on these ideals. Until next time, be a good neighbor.