Renovations at Innovation Center complete

While not yet open, renovations are complete for Arlington's future innovation center which will help local entrepreneurs have a space to create.

The center, which will be called TheLab@Arlington, is meant to support local inventors and those looking to start small businesses through use of its tools, equipment, classes and mentorship opportunities.

COVID-19 is keeping the facility closed, but they have begun holding webinars.

The building at 404 N. Olympic Ave. was recently renovated, as it was formerly a downtown gas station.

The innovation center has been a part of the city's plan for a while.

"Back when the city and Darrington were working on the North Snohomish Economic Revitalization plan after the Oso slide we were coordinating with Washington State University and one of the pieces that was suggested was a 'maker's space,'" said Sarah Lopez, community revitalization project manager for the city of Arlington.

The city has worked on the idea since then.

"We purchased the property when it became available," said Lopez. "And we gained state funding to do the renovation."

City officials also worked with officials at the Northwest Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) to manage the Arlington location.

"We are a nonprofit that support entrepreneurs and helps them move forward with their ideas," said Diane Kamionka, executive director of the NWIRC.

The organization hopes to build a network of 'innovation labs' around the Puget Sound, the first of which is in Everett and the second of which will be in Arlington.

"Our plan initially is that this can be a location where entrepreneurs can come and network with other entrepreneurs," said Kamionka. "We will have education and information available to help people set up."

The innovation center is meant to provide services to the community, said Lopez.

"We hope it will spur economic activity and bring real world solutions out," she said. "Having it will be a great resource to people in Arlington."

The city originally proposed a maker's space for the building, but TheLab@Arlington will be a bit different.

"This is a little different form a traditional maker's space as it doesn’t have the construction equipment of a traditional one," said Lopez.

However, there are still resources like a 3D printer, information and classes available..

"And as the program develops we want to find what the community needs as well," said Lopez.

There will be a lot of new technology available for those who want to innovate for the latest hardware.

"Especially for those things that are important for the digital economy," said Kamionka.

NWIRC has also been working with Snohomish Workforce for a potential program that would help respond to unemployment and layoffs that could linger because of a slumping economy.

Officials said they were looking forward to when the building can bring in people once COVID-19 has waned.

"We've been really pleased with the enthusiasm from the community," said Kamionka. "Definitely looking forward to being able to do more in there."

"We look forward to when we can open it up and begin holding classes in there," said Lopez.