Accessing our space

Traveling to CAFAC

Our location: 3749 Chicago Ave, at George Floyd Square. Some classes are in the neighboring building, at 3741 Chicago Ave.

Transportation: Three bus lines pass nearby. Along 38th Street is the 23, and along Chicago Ave is the 5 and the D line. Chicago Ave lines have been rerouted away from the memorial, but nearby stops will bring you within a ten-minute walk or roll of our location.

Parking: We have a small lot with six parking spots (one of which is accessible) and a bike rack that can fit two bikes (more bike parking coming soon!). There is also street parking available.

On-site Accessibility

There are two main buildings on the CAFAC campus. The main shop is at 3749 Chicago Ave, and is where the bulk of our programming takes place and where staff is present during weekday business hours (10am-5pm). The salon is at 3741 Chicago Ave, and is where lampworking, stained glass, encaustic, and repoussé classes take place.

Main building (3749 Chicago Ave)

Download a PDF of our main building floor plan.

The main student entrance is wheelchair accessible and is located on the north side of the building, off the parking lot (highlighted in yellow on the floor plan). The front door to the gallery is not wheelchair accessible and is often locked.

  • First floor:

    • Gallery space and offices, with a second restroom

    • Classroom/break room with seating and a table

    • Shop floor with blacksmithing and welding areas

    • Grinding booth

    • Accessible restroom

    • Accessible chemical wash station

    • Stools are available throughout the space

    • A wheelchair accessible lift is available to reach the second floor

  • Second floor:

    • Accessible by stairs or by lift

    • Jewelry benches with height adjustable stools, and a wheelchair-accessible work station

    • Two accessible neon stations

    • There is a second, non-wheelchair-accessible balcony separated by a few steps with three neon workstations

    • Offices and storage in the back of the second floor are not wheelchair accessible

Glass Salon (3741 Chicago Ave)

Download a PDF of the glass salon floor plan.

  • Front door to salon is wheelchair accessible, and is unlocked during classes and events

  • The glass salon has only one floor used by CAFAC

  • The restroom is NOT wheelchair accessible

  • Stools are height-adjustable

Sensory Rubric

Interested in taking a class but not quite sure what to expect? Below is a chart outlining some key information about each department. We hope this helps you feel prepared and ready to try something new!

1 = little to none, 2 = some/moderate, 3 = a lot/significant amount

 
 
Department Bright and/or flashing lights Noise level Heat Technical knowledge to learn Physical demands Wheelchair accessibility Smells and/or particulates Personal Protective Equipment
Blacksmithing 🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥
Enamel 🔥 🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥
Encaustic 🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥
Flameworking 🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥 🔥
Foundry/Metal Casting 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥
Jewelry 🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥
Neon 🔥 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥 🔥🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Repousse 🔥 🔥🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥 🔥
Stained Glass 🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥 🔥
Welding 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥🔥
 
 

Detailed explanations of each rating:

Bright and/or Flashing lights:

  • A 3-flame class will require the use of additional eye protection (shades). On occasion there may be bright flashing lights.

  • A 2-flame class may require the use of additional eye protection occasionally. There are no flashing lights.

  • A 1-flame class does not require additional eye protection and does not produce bright flames or flashing lights.

Loud noise:

  • A 3-flame class has sustained loud noises and hearing protection is recommended.

  • A 2-flame class has occasional loud noises and hearing protection is recommended.

  • A 1-flame class has little to no loud noises and hearing protection is not needed.

Heat:

  • A 3-flame class generates heat over a prolonged time period. Frequent breaks are needed. A water bottle is recommended.

  • A 2-flame class occasionally generates some heat. There may be periods of time where class is room temperature. A water bottle is recommended.

  • A 1-flame classes produces little to no heat and is comfortably room temperature.

Technical knowledge to learn

  • A 3-flame class has specific terminology, including names and numbers, to learn. There are specific protocols and procedures to remember and follow.

  • A 2-flame class has some specific terminology to learn. There may be some protocols and procedures to follow.

  • A 1-flame class does not require memorization of specific terminology.

Physical Demands:

  • A 3-flame class is physically demanding. It is strenuous and you may be sore the next day.

  • A 2-flame class requires some intermittent physical exertion. There may be the opportunity to sit while working.

  • A 1-flame class is not physically demanding. It will likely be done seated or have the option to sit periodically.

Wheelchair Accessibility:

  • A 3-flame class is fully wheelchair accessible and ready for a wheelchair user.

  • A 2-flame class is mostly wheelchair accessible. It is recommended to reach out to becca.cerra@cafac.org to arrange accommodations.

  • A 1-flame class is not yet wheelchair accessible. It is recommended to reach out to becca.cerra@cafac.org to arrange accommodations.

Smells and/or particulates:

  • A 3-flame class produces fine particulates and/or noxious fumes. Extra ventilation and/or a respirator may be required.

  • A 2-flame class produces some fine particulates and/or noxious fumes. Extra ventilation and/or a respirator may be required.

  • A 1-flame class does not produce many fine particulates and/or noxious fumes. Extra ventilation and respirator are not required.

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • A 3-flame class requires wearing more personal protective equipment than just safety glasses.

  • A 2-flame class may require the use of additional personal protective equipment occasionally.

  • A 1-flame class does not require any personal protective equipment other than safety glasses

If you have any questions on access, feel free to contact our Education & Access Coordinator, Becca Cerra, at becca.cerra@cafac.org or call us at 612-294-0400. We’re committed to meeting requests for accommodations within a reasonable time frame.