LOUISVILLE - Despite being tucked out of view from passersby LVL1, a sprawling basement workshop in Louisville lovingly called a "hackerspace", has produced some awe inspiring projects and you’re welcome to come make your creative dreams a reality for free.

"Watching someone come here and realize, 'I can make anything,'" said Ben Hibben when asked why he keeps coming back to LVL1. "Seeing that light up their eyes is why I come."

Hibben says he has been coming to LVL1 just weeks after its inception eight years ago. The non-profit upgraded its space along the way, and has become a massive workshop filled with finished flashy projects of nearly every medium, alongside the dozens of machines - many expensive -  that created them. Providing that diverse toolset to all comers, Hibben says, is at the heart of LVL1. Membership is $50/month but is never required. We're told dues merely help fund group projects, grants, and tool purchases which are voted on by the membership. But the regulars at LVL1 stress that anyone can come in off the street and, after signing a liability waiver, be taught how to use a laser cutter, 3D printer, welding torch, or drill. Material costs are asked for a select few of the machines, but that's it. 

"Any artist, craftsperson, or programmer who’s creating something is a maker," Hibben continued while leaning on a cabinet filled with art supplies. "We are there to serve them and help them do it better, and hopefully to learn from them."

Beyond the waiver there are few rules, but the very first is “Be excellent to each other.” It’s no wonder curious inventors from all walks of life keep coming at night after working their day jobs.

"I’ve worked with my hands for a long time but a lot of it tends to be on my own," said Tim Van Sant, a former teacher and LVL1 inhabitant for three years. "When you’re among people who think the way you do and like some of the same things you do, it’s a nice community."

If you can dream it, there's a good chance the community at LVL1 can make it a reality.

While LVL1 welcomes visitors throughout the week, members say their “Fix it Friday” class - where you can learn how to repair household items - is a great way to get started. The organization's events calender can be found here.