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Four decades ago, legendary musicians like Cyndi Lauper, James Taylor and the Talking Heads headlined concerts at The Jabberwocky, a Syracuse nightclub.

The nightclub’s location transformed into the Kimmel MakerSpace at Syracuse University in 2013. John Mangicaro, the space’s instructional technology engineer and manager and a 45-year SU employee, used to perform at the nightclub concerts himself.

Mangicaro’s experiences at The Jabberwocky left such a strong impression on him that, when figuring out where to build the MakerSpace 27 years later, he chose its former location.

“The creativity of this place, it was all inspired right here by the original music,” Mangicaro said.

The Kimmel MakerSpace has offered students a space to access hands-on learning for over a decade. On Dec. 18, the space will close in preparation for SU’s demolition of Kimmel and Marion halls over winter break. As MakerSpace is set to relocate to Marshall Square Mall in Spring 2025, many students have expressed mixed feelings about the move.

The MakerSpace houses technology like 3D printers, textile machines, milling equipment, laser engravers, electronic tools and embroidery machines for students’ use. Mangicaro said the space also adds equipment based on students’ requests. Many students work at the MakerSpace as well.

Jonathan-Carl Cully, a junior studying mechanical engineering at SU, has worked at MakerSpace since his freshman year and said he quickly fell in love with it upon arriving on campus. After learning about the move, Cully and his colleagues said they understood the decision, but felt sad knowing the space’s doors would be closing.

“Out of nowhere, we were told we would need to be out by Dec 18. It wasn’t surprising, but it did feel sudden,” Cully said.

Cully was first inspired to work for MakerSpace after his older brother, an SU alumnus, worked in the space and encouraged him to apply. While working there, he particularly enjoyed watching students from outside his major work on their projects. He also appreciated its 24 hour schedule, as he would often stay late into the night, working on projects and spending time with friends.

Collin Snyder | Staff Photographer

Before the Kimmel MakerSpace was built at Syracuse University in 2013, it hosted a nightclub called the Jabberwocky where legendary musicians like Cyndi Lauper, James Taylor and the Talking Heads performed.

Jack Cofer, a sophomore double majoring in geography and environmental, sustainability and architecture, said he’s still been able to enjoy the space even though he’s not an engineering or architecture major.

He’s worked at the MakerSpace since the beginning of his freshman year, where he’s helped with countless projects, like assisting engineering students with Capstone projects, led students in using 3D printers and screen-printed graduation stoles, he said.

After the MakerSpace moves, Cofer said he’ll hold onto the memories of the Kimmel location.

“Even though, physically, not too much will still be here, I hope the legacy and story continues on, and though this chapter of the MakerSpace will be closed, I hope it will be a part of the school’s history forever,” Cofer said.

Seydou Diao, a senior mechanical engineering major, echoed Cully and Cofer, expressing uncertainty about the MakerSpace’s future iteration. He said he’s been interested in engineering from a young age and this passion was what led him to work there.

“It’s kind of strange, the MakerSpace sort of has this look, a big open room with all this equipment. I’m not sure how the new one is going to look, but it’s not gonna be like this one,” Diao said.

Like Cully, Diao said he often visits the space not only for work and school assignments, but also to enjoy his free time.

The space will continue to be student-run – with many current employees staying on – but will also hire more supervisors to manage an expected increase in foot traffic at the new location, Mangicaro said. He also said the space’s deep roots on campus have inspired him to bring along some of its most notable artwork to the new site, including Alice in Wonderland murals that hung in the former nightclub from the 1970s to 80s.

Beyond producing artwork and other creative projects, Mangicaro said developing friendships with students, growing alongside them and sharing his knowledge have been some of the most rewarding parts of working at the MakerSpace.

“The students who work here, it’s a magical place. They’re all motivated, enthusiastic, wonderful kids who have a deep interest in helping people,” Mangicaro said.

Published on December 11, 2024 at 10:41 pm

Contact Shivika: sgupta38@syr.edu