Features

The Electric Maid powers up again

by Alvaro Jovel

The Electric Maid, named in honor of a local restaurant from decades past, is now set to provide a place to sit, relax, enjoy some music, or even take a class.

Located at 268 Carroll Street, NW, in a windowed storefront between Old Town Takoma Park and the Takoma Metro station, the possibilities for the space seem endless. The Electric Maid’s creators envision it as a "community living room"–shaped by community involvement into a place for everyone to enjoy and use.

Brian Robinson, who has been involved with the project for many years, worked with members of the Friends of Old Takoma, Inc. and others to make this project a reality. At the grand opening gala on April 18, supporters and well-wishers of all ages came and enjoyed an evening of entertainment and community. Robinson was pleased with the turnout.

"We had about 75 to 100 people come through our door," said Robinson, "which was really encouraging."

Clay Harris, another volunteer, hopes that the community will continue to rally around its new space. "We want to build on the positive momentum of the opening gala," he said.

"We got the location financed through donations, then it took us many years just to get the permit from DC," said Robinson.

Thanks to many volunteer hours, the location now has a stage, a working bathroom, heating and cooling systems, and power outlets. Donations have also financed the purchase of tables, chairs, and even a piano.

"It is a great start," Robinson said, "but the people of Takoma Park will need to support the Electric Maid to keep it up and running."

"Frankly, we don’t have as much involvement as we should," he said. "I am the only one from Takoma Park really involved."

The Electric Maid has its believers outside Takoma Park, however. Joel Pomerantz, a Rockville resident and member of the board of directors for the Friends of Old Takoma Inc., is staffing the space on his own time, so it can remain open in its early stages.

"We are always looking for volunteers to try and keep the space open as long as possible," said Pomerantz. "Right now we are still working on hours [of operation]…with more volunteers, we will be able to stay open longer."

In terms of plans for the Electric Maid, many exciting ideas are circulating. Various local groups have held meetings there, and it is already host to music gigs on Fridays and Saturdays, which have been successful with the younger crowd. Artists and musical styles that appeal to other audiences are planned as well.

Robinson is making arrangements for catering on event nights, ensuring that there are always snacks and drinks for guests. He also hopes to add a reception area near the entrance, "where people can come in and get a cup of coffee or donuts."

Plans for the Electric Maid are not limited to music, of course. Harris also envisions the facility as a gallery that supports the visual arts.

"We can have local artists show off their work, without [them] having to rent out some space elsewhere," he said.

The organizers are always open to new ideas, too, and emphasize that the Electric Maid is the community’s space. Much hard work has gone into getting the project this far, but what it becomes will be all up to the people.

"We want to be a community room in the broadest sense of the term," said Robinson. "We want to have music, poetry, political meetings...basically, doing what the people want to do with the space."

Robinson is combining the Electric Maid’s mission with the Takoma Exchange, an informal network of local residents. Robinson plans to offer them memberships, which would offer perks such as free use of the space and discounts at local establishments. He is especially interested in creating partnerships with local small businesses, as he is all about the fight against "turning this area into a chain store mecca."

For information on donations or volunteering your time to the project, visit the Electric Maid website at www.electricmaid.org.