Media District Gets New Creative Hub as Local Entrepreneurs Launch ‘Spark Space’ Maker Facility

A trio of Burbank entrepreneurs is betting big on the city’s creative community with the launch of Spark Space, a 6,000-square-foot maker facility that opened its doors last week at 2847 Buena Vista Street, just blocks from the Warner Bros. and Disney lots.

The venture, spearheaded by former Disney animator Maya Rodriguez and tech veterans Jake Morrison and Lisa Chen, transforms a defunct commercial printing facility into what they’re calling “the ultimate playground for makers, builders, and dreamers.”

“We saw this gap in Burbank where you had all these incredibly talented people working in entertainment, but when they wanted to build something physical – a prop, a prototype, or just a personal project – they had nowhere to go,” Rodriguez explained during a tour of the gleaming facility last Thursday. “We’re basically democratizing access to professional-grade tools.”

From Concept to Reality

The idea germinated in 2022 when Morrison, a former Apple engineer who moved to Burbank to work at a VR startup, found himself driving to Los Angeles just to access a laser cutter for a side project. After connecting with Rodriguez at a Magnolia Park coffee shop and later bringing in Chen, who has extensive experience in co-working spaces, the trio spent 18 months planning and fundraising.

“The timing felt perfect,” Chen said. “Remote work changed everything. People want flexibility, but they also want community and access to tools they can’t justify buying themselves.”

Spark Space secured the former Vista Print building through a partnership with local commercial real estate firm Hendricks & Associates. The space features distinct zones for different types of work: a traditional workshop with hand tools and workbenches, a digital fabrication lab with 3D printers and laser cutters, a electronics station with soldering equipment and oscilloscopes, and even a small photo studio with professional lighting.

Membership tiers start at $89 per month for basic access during off-peak hours, scaling up to $299 for 24/7 access and dedicated storage. Day passes are available for $35.

Filling a Local Need

Early member Jessica Walsh, a scenic designer who has worked on productions at both Disney and Universal, says Spark Space fills a crucial gap in Burbank’s creative ecosystem.

“I’ve been living in a tiny apartment near Toluca Lake for three years, and I’ve been driving to a friend’s garage in Glendale whenever I needed to build set pieces or test out ideas,” Walsh explained while working on a miniature architectural model at one of the facility’s precision cutting stations. “Having this five minutes from my house is game-changing.”

The space is already attracting a diverse membership base. Rodriguez notes that about 40% of their initial 127 members work in entertainment, but the rest span from aerospace engineers working at nearby Lockheed Martin to jewelry makers and furniture designers.

“We’re seeing costume designers working next to mechanical engineers,” Morrison said. “That cross-pollination of ideas and skills is exactly what we hoped for.”

Community-Centered Approach

Beyond just providing access to equipment, Spark Space is positioning itself as a community hub. The facility includes a café area serving locally-sourced coffee from Groundwork Coffee in nearby Arts District, and plans are underway for regular workshops, guest lectures, and “build nights” where members collaborate on projects.

“We’re not just renting access to tools,” Rodriguez emphasized. “We’re building a community of makers who can learn from each other and collaborate.”

The founders have also committed to reserving 10% of memberships for discounted rates for students, teachers, and nonprofit organizations. They’re currently in discussions with Burbank High School’s engineering program about potential partnerships.

Economic Impact and Growth Plans

Burbank’s Economic Development Manager Sarah Thompkins praised the venture as exactly the type of business the city hopes to attract to complement its entertainment industry base.

“Maker spaces like this create ecosystems of innovation,” Thompkins said. “They support the gig economy that’s become so important in our creative community, and they help retain talent that might otherwise leave for cities with more maker resources.”

The founders invested approximately $450,000 in equipment and renovations, with funding coming from personal savings, friends and family, and a small business loan from First Republic Bank. They project breaking even within 18 months and are already eyeing potential expansion.

“If this location succeeds, we’d love to explore a second location, maybe closer to the Rancho area,” Chen said. “Burbank has enough creative energy to support multiple maker spaces.”

Challenges and Competition

The venture isn’t without risks. Los Angeles has seen several maker spaces struggle financially in recent years, and the membership-based model requires consistent utilization to remain viable.

“We’ve done our homework on what works and what doesn’t,” Morrison acknowledged. “The key is balancing premium equipment with accessible pricing, and building a community that members actually want to be part of.”

Spark Space also faces indirect competition from established players like TechShop (though it closed its LA location in 2017) and newer entrants like the maker space at LA Valley College. However, the founders believe their hyperlocal focus and entertainment industry connections give them a unique advantage.

Looking Ahead

As Spark Space settles into its first month of operation, the founders are already planning additions based on member feedback. A darkroom for film photography is in the works, along with a textile station for costume and fashion work.

“Every week someone suggests a new capability we should add,” Rodriguez laughed. “We’re trying to pace ourselves, but the enthusiasm from the community has been incredible.”

For a city that built its reputation on bringing creative visions to life, Spark Space represents a natural evolution – giving the people behind the magic the tools to create their own.

The facility is open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours Thursday through Saturday. Tours and trial memberships are available by appointment through their website at sparkspaceburbank.com.