In the wake of the December 2021 tornado, Mayfield didn’t just rebuild; we reimagined. What began as a community conversation in 2022 has officially transformed into SkillRise 270, a premier 7,800ft2 makerspace and innovation hub dedicated to empowering the creators, entrepreneurs, and tradespeople of Graves County.
A Collaborative Journey
The road to SkillRise 270 began with a vision for a "collaborative DIY lab." Following feasibility studies with MurrayState University and local development districts, the project gained momentum through a $100,000 grant from the American Red Cross. By October 2024, significant milestones were reached with a nearly $3 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and $550,000 from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.
Under the leadership of Mayfield Kentucky Industrial Authority Executive Director, Jason Lemle, and SkillRise 270 Executive Director, Nicole Kaletch, this project is more than just a building—it is a community-driven initiative supported by the City of Mayfield, the Mayfield Tornado Relief Fund, and PACRO, as well as many other sponsors.
What’s Inside?
SkillRise 270 is designed to be a social and technical hub where hobbyists and professionals alike can experiment and troubleshoot. Our facility will feature dedicated zones for:
The heart of the facility will be the lobby, featuring a coffee bar and a relaxed setting designed to encourage networking. We envision a space where seasoned craftsmen mentor the younger generation, turning abstract ideas into physical prototypes through hands-on collaboration.
Join the Movement
You don’t have to wait for the grand opening to get involved! We are currently hosting instructional classes, including 3D printing design, digital marketing, and digital design. We have also partnered with the Mayfield Graves County Chamber of Commerce for a six-session business planning series that will begin in April 2026.
Looking ahead to Spring 2026, we will launch our "Make & Take" events, where participants can construct their own woodworking pieces, learn to macrame, or create hand-stamped garden stakes. Once the facility is fully operational, we will offer a membership model—similar to a fitness center—providing affordable access to professional machinery that might otherwise be too expensive for a home workshop.
Shaping the Future
Through partnerships with the local businesses and organizations, SkillRise 270 is committed to workforce development. We are working with over thirty local entities to assist with skill training and job placement, helping keep our talented citizens right here in the community.
Contact us to learn more about Room Sponsorships and the Maker’s Club. Together, we are building a more innovative Mayfield.
From 2021 recovery to a 7,800 sq. ft. makerspace, SkillRise 270 offers high-tech tools and training.
How Vision Boards Power Professional Goals
A place that allows and encourages networking, education, creation and innovation through skill development.
To provide hands-on access to equipment, opportunity, resources, education and training. To facilitate opportunities to network, connect and develop across the community
