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Uploaded: Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 12:09 PM
Hacker Dojo ditching problematic building
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by Daniel DeBolt
Mountain View Voice Staff
Photos
 
| Little more than two weeks after raising $250,000 to bring its building up to code, Hacker Dojo has found a different way to solve its code compliance headaches -- it's moving to a better building.
On Oct. 15, representatives for the shared work space for computer programmers announced that a lease had been signed for a larger, 16,600-square-foot building at 599 Fairchild Dr. The move was spurred when it was found that renovations at 140 South Whisman Road would cost much more than previously thought, with construction firms making estimates between $336,000 and $446,000 after getting a close look, according to the announcement, which spread via Facebook.
While fundraising on Kickstarter to make fire safety and accessibility improvements to its building and prevent closure by the city, the Dojo's leaders were also spending the last nine months looking for another site, and eventually found "a diamond in the rough," according to the announcement.
"Generally speaking, one does not simply find a building with fire sprinklers, ADA bathrooms, and adequate parking in the right zone at a reasonable cost," the announcement says, referring to problems with the Dojo's current building.
The new building is five minutes away from the current one, and the move is expected in December. The new location has several advantages -- it's close to light rail and a coffee shop, as well has having plenty of power outlets and parking spaces, which the old building lacked. And city officials have given their blessing, the Dojo says, so there won't be any code compliance issues. And large events will finally resume in the new building, including an opening celebration.
What will the Dojo do with all of the money raised on Kickstarter?
"If we can not find somebody to sublet 140A-D it will be used to pay down the old lease," says the Dojo's website. "Without this money, the Dojo would not have been able to move, as member dues are not currently sufficient to pay two leases at once."
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Posted by Yaaaaaay!, a resident of the Jackson Park neighborhood, on Oct 16, 2012 at 2:47 pm Great news! Cool new digs, and the ability to hold events once more! I love it!
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Posted by PeaceLove, a resident of the Shoreline West neighborhood, on Oct 16, 2012 at 11:27 pm Great news! That new location is next door to Specialty's Bakery, home of the best chocolate chip cookies in the area. Hackers + Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies = ...mmm, chocolate...
Hackers: +1
Body fat index => UP
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Posted by Jon, a resident of the Old Mountain View neighborhood, on Oct 17, 2012 at 12:22 am What if they do find a new tenant to sub-lease? What will they do to all the money?
In response to:
What will the Dojo do with all of the money raised on Kickstarter?
"If we can not find somebody to sublet 140A-D it will be used to pay down the old lease," says the Dojo's website.
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Posted by Ian, a resident of the Old Mountain View neighborhood, on Oct 17, 2012 at 7:52 am Now all they need to do is open up a MJ dispensary next door and the neighborhood will be complete!
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Posted by Andrea Gemmet, Mountain View Voice Editor, on Oct 19, 2012 at 10:22 am
Andrea Gemmet is a member (registered user) of Mountain View Online The following comment was posted on a duplicate thread which has now been closed:
Maybe a Chick Filet could be built at there old site.
by BC Oct 18, 2012 at 7:45 pm
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Posted by Sam, a resident of the The Crossings neighborhood, on Oct 20, 2012 at 7:08 pm "If we can not find somebody to sublet 140A-D it will be used to pay down the old lease," says the Dojo's website.
I think the question being asked by Jon above is what if they find somebody to sublet. What will happen to the money.
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