Zoe's Garage
Last updated
Last updated
Zoe's Garage is a community makerspace and bot crafting hub located in Stardust Springs. Originally a family-owned aircraft repair shop, the facility was repurposed as part of the Neighborhood Workshop Initiative. Under the leadership of owner-operator Zoe Foxlin, it has become a central gathering place for Bot Battles competitors and aspiring builders.
The building that houses Zoe's Garage was originally Foxlin's Air Repair, operated by Zoe's mother for over forty years. When her mother retired, the building remained in the family. The space found new life when Mayor Ishii launched the Neighborhood Workshop Initiative, a program designed to transform vacant storefronts into community makerspaces. Zoe Foxlin, who had grown up learning mechanical skills in the shop, converted the former aircraft repair business into what would become one of Stardust Springs' most popular community workshops.
The facility provides tools, workbenches, and assembly areas where competitors can craft and maintain their bots. The space maintains many of the professional-grade tools from its auto repair days, supplemented with equipment specifically suited for bot construction.
The garage functions as a collection point for salvaged materials suitable for bot construction. Builders can find everything from discarded appliances to mechanical components, all carefully sorted and stored for reuse.
New builders can receive guidance and technical instruction from Zoe Foxlin and other experienced community members. The garage offers both formal workshops and informal mentoring opportunities.
Foxlin keeps a drawer well stocked with her frequent visitors' favorite snacks.
Zoe's Garage has become more than just a workshop—it represents the intersection of Stardust Springs' industrial heritage and its commitment to environmental sustainability. The facility plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of Bot Battles as a sport, promoting creative approaches to recycling and reuse, and preserving and sharing mechanical knowledge across generations.
The success of Zoe's Garage has made it a model for other communities implementing similar workshop initiatives. Its transformation from an auto repair shop to a bot-building hub mirrors Stardust Springs' larger evolution from an industrial center to a leader in environmental innovation.
The garage's philosophy of combining practical mechanical knowledge with playful creativity has influenced the broader Bot Battles community, encouraging builders to consider both the technical and entertainment aspects of their creations.
As Bot Battles continues to grow in popularity, Zoe's Garage remains at the forefront of innovation in bot design and construction techniques. The facility continues to expand its programs, working closely with Mayor Ishii's administration to promote environmental sustainability through creative engineering.
