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NILES — A longtime Niles business has big plans for its new downtown location.

ReddHill Radioshack, 722 S. 11th St., will be relocating to 105 Main St. – currently home to the Gather event space – next month and is raising funds for the creation of a “maker space” – a collaborative workspace where individuals can access tools, technology, and resources to create and learn. Donations can be made through the GoFundMe “Support ReddHill RadioShack’s Move and Maker Space Creation” or in-person at the store.

For owner Dylan Roberts, the move is not just about a change in location – it is about expanding its services and impact on the community. 

“My vision for the store is essentially to not only be a retail space in line with Radio Shack but to also be a space for the community that is helping to foster growth and education in STEM,” he said. “I want something for the Niles community and I believe downtown Niles will be better for business.”

The Maker Space will offer workshops, classes, and open lab time for DIY electronics projects, 3D Printing and Prototyping, robotics and coding, arts and crafts, STEM education for kids and adults and more. While the maker space will be established no matter what, Roberts is raising funds to accelerate the process. These funds will be used for:

– Renovation and Setup: Transforming the new location into a state-of-the-art retail and learning space.

– Equipment and Supplies: Purchasing tools, materials, and technology for the Maker Space.

– Educational Programs: Developing and offering workshops, classes, and community events.

– Community Outreach: Ensuring that the Maker Space is accessible and beneficial to everyone in the Niles community.

“The goal is to have a community-driven space,” Roberts said. “The fundraiser is two-fold – it lets people know we’re moving and what our intentions are and the funds will accelerate our ability to make it a reality. There is no pressure to donate but if you decide to, we really appreciate it.”

In return for donating, names of donors will be featured on the “Founders Wall” in the new space and donors will have early access to the Maker Space and invitations to special events. As of Thursday afternoon, Roberts has raised $5,400 toward his $30,000 goal.

“It means a lot,” he said. “I think it’s important to care about your community and get involved. With this new space, we’ll be able to grow more completely.”

According to Roberts, the community’s response to the move has been mostly positive. He is looking forward to contributing to downtown Niles’ positive momentum.

“Every time I drive downtown, I see people walking,” he said. “It’s important to invest in downtown. Business will be better downtown. RadioShack is a destination store, people come from all over to purchase. We hope to build a vibrant community space that fosters creativity, learning, and growth.”

For more information on Reddhill Radioshack products, visit Reddhill.com.