Learn How to Access Technocopia Makerspace
If there’s something Technocopia Makerspace doesn’t have, it’s intuitive street access! Being in Worcester’s Downtown provides unique opportunities for more people to be able to access the space without a car, but it can be confusing for first time visitors to get into the space. Here are some tips and instructions for visiting, including parking, wheelchair access, and how to get into the building!
Parking for Technocopia
Parking downtown can be confusing since the options vary depending on the day and time you visit. Beyond our main recommendations here, most of the other surrounding lots are by permit only and towing is frequent and expensive. Make sure that if you park during the winter, to be mindful of Worcester Street Plowing policies.
Printers Building Parking Lot
Members can use the Printers building lot after 5pm on weekdays or anytime during weekends. Do not park here during weekdays, before 5pm or during plowing. You will be towed.
- Cost: Free (hours limited)
- Walking Distance: 50-200 ft
McGrath Parking Lot at the WPL Library
The WPL parking lot is right next door! It has ticket pay stations at the lot and is often the best choice for longer daytime visits. The Library offers parking validation for patrons if you’re also making a stop there.
- Cost: $1-2/hour
- Walking Distance: 500-1000 ft
Street Parking
The City of Worcester has pay-by-plate meters for street parking. Parking meters are enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday. There is a 2 hour limit on parking.
- Cost: $1.50/hour
- Walking Distance: 100-1000 ft
Getting into the Building
Use Our Front Door’s Call Box, And Come Visit the 6th Floor!
Dial up at the call box on Portland St. by selecting “Technocopia” on the call box and hitting the phone icon. A staff member upstairs will be able to ring you into the building, and you can use the elevator or the stairs to go to the 6th floor. Staffed hours are limited so make sure you have a scheduled appointment/event before dropping in. Members receive a keycard that gives them access to the building on their schedule. This keycard can also be used at the back door near the Printer’s Building Parking lot.
Accessibility for Disabilities
Support is Available, but Updates Are Needed
Technocopia is wheelchair accessible using the building’s elevators but the building doesn’t have handicap door openers. The space itself has some shops and tools that are physically accessible for wheelchair users, and some that aren’t. We encourage all members to let us know if they have questions about which tools they can use, and for solutions to make tools that aren’t more accessible. This kind of ongoing evaluation and feedback from our community is essential to prioritize improvements and make sure you can make safely and comfortably. There are often DIY solutions to accessibility issues that a makerspace can prototype and iterate on!
Public Transportation
Taking the Bus to Technocopia
Being in Downtown Worcester means we are easily accessible via Worcester’s fare free bus service! There are several bus stops nearby and the central WRTA hub is only 2500 ft away.
- Cost: Free
- Walking Distance: Est. 10 Min. Walk | 500-2500 ft
Want to Bike To Technocopia?
Bike Storage is Limited But Please do!
Being in a bikeable range of Technocopia is awesome. Bikes are allowed in the building, but since we have limited space, there are only a couple places that bikes can go. Please avoid areas with heavy foot traffic. The preferred area is to park on our Portland Street side of the building by the windows! Be sure to check with Technocopia Staff or Stewards if you are unsure of bike parking placement.