It all started with the seeds of an idea to build a makerspace that fosters a forward-looking environment. To create an experience, a place that supports purpose, innovation, and collaboration. A partnership between our schools, private industry, government, and community to ensure a better future for all.
From this vision, Haven helped the founders develop concept, branding, and an awareness campaign for the Hub & Spoke Design Center and Makerspace.
Hub & Spoke exists to encourage connectivity and creativity. It is a unique 94,000 square foot master-planned mixed-use development and partnership with the City of Fishers. The project consists of a Design Center with retail showrooms, coworking space, and a state-of-the-art makerspace – the Maker Playground and Hub & Spoke Institute.
Hub & Spoke got off to a great start, people were interested in the concept and the idea received press and attention in the community. They had a great story – promoting the trades is newsworthy and something people can support. However, there was some confusion about exactly what Hub & Spoke was.
Hub & Spoke had an awesome vision and concept that is the first of its kind. However, they needed help simplifying the story and creating visualizations for the stakeholder. A way to share their vision so it could be understood and make sense of the concept. The founders couldn’t point to an existing project down the street or even in another city. They had to be able to paint the picture and vision for others from government, private industry, investors, and the community.
The goals of the initial campaign were simple:
- Increase awareness
- Drive traffic to the website and to the building
- Bring in investors and donors
As the project grew and the building was completed, the goals evolved.
- They needed to attract homeowners, designers, builders, and architects to the design center.
- Fill the coworking offices.
- Host events in the Community Connect space.
- Establish a makerspace where creativity thrives.
With this wide array of goals in mind, Haven got to work developing a multi-faceted strategy.
Brand Development
Haven Media developed concepts and anchor statements for the myriad of Hub & Spoke mixed-use divisions. These included the Design Center with retail showrooms, Haven Studios coworking space, the Community Connect Event Center, and a collaboration with the City of Fishers Parks and Rec department for a state-of-the-art Makerspace.
Strategy
Haven’s multi-media strategy combined branding and content creation to build a strong brand base. From logo design to website development, establishing and writing a content heavy blog, and an eBook, these components help potential investors, donors, tenants, and visitors visualize the various aspects of the project.
Awareness Campaigns
Social media campaigns and a monthly newsletter were launched to keep followers up to date on the latest developments. Project progress, promotion of design center tenants, co-working memberships, and the makerspace have all been key highlights of these campaigns.
“Without the help from Haven we wouldn’t have gotten the support to get the project off the ground,” says Hub & Spoke Co-Founder and Visionary David Decker.
Hub & Spoke officially opened the Design Center, which is over 90% leased, in the spring of 2020. Tenants include a remodeling company, an outdoor landscape and design company, an audio/visual and home technology specialist, art consultants, and other distinctive businesses. Currently, there is even a pop-up stone slab gallery. Learn more about the design, construction, supply, and education tenants of Hub & Spoke here.
The Haven Studios Co-Working space quickly followed the Design Center, opening that fall. Located on the second floor of Hub & Spoke, co-working members have access to a variety of benefits. The space includes dedicated, lockable offices & open workspaces. There is a conference room and collaboration space, high-speed internet, and tenants have a Fishers mailing address & on-site mailbox. This synergistic work environment provides networking events, collaboration opportunities, and even a discounted Makerspace membership.
Meanwhile, in the Community Connect event space, the community has seen a variety of events take place from an office furniture trade show to art gallery open houses. There have been business education lunches, industry awards nights, and chamber of commerce networking events. Hub & Spoke has proven to be a popular event destination.
Finally, in May of 2021, after months of planning, collaboration with the City of Fishers, the Parks and Recreation Department, and Hamilton Southeastern Schools, the Maker Playground hosted its grand opening. The Maker Playground offers memberships to the public and a variety of classes, showcases, and summer camps. The dream of a hands-on, experiential learning environment where children and adults can come to discover purpose and passion has finally taken shape.
“At Haven, it’s all about understanding our client’s needs and then partnering with them to find solutions that help them achieve their goals,” says Haven Founder and CEO, David Decker. “Often these suggestions are tried and true staples, but frequently they might include a new and exciting idea. By combining our industry acumen with creative solutions, we are able to help our clients succeed.”
Learn more about the Haven Difference, our process that integrates expansive knowledge and experience in the design and construction fields with insight into what works — and what doesn’t — in marketing and advertising. Connect with us for help creating your own distinctive brand and marketing strategy to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.