Comment Not just tools. Get the art people as well. (Score 1) 167
Most of the hackerspaces have the "gearhead guys" / "aggressive geek guy" vibe. "If you don't know what you're doing, then you shouldn't be here." This turns into a self-reinforcing culture. Bad. Too many guys and all of the prickly personality type.
Bring in sewing machines as well. Invite the theater dept / dance dept costuming people to use the facilities. Get the medieval reenactors to make their clothes there. It will change the entire culture, soften it and make it more approachable. Women will actually show up (and stay).
Gardening. Do a permaculture installation like a raised bed or spiral garden.
Those things as well as all of the standard hand-tools, electronics, metal-working things.
Do events like Open-House and holiday parties. The social aspect is what changes it from just a tool room to a "space".