> can't figure out how to make a maker space profitable.

Maker space membership and other charges come during the most cash sensitive period - the very beginning of an idea, the period where angel investment is required instead of charges. I.e. maker space acts opposite of incubator, and thus it is no surprise that while incubators are profitable the maker spaces aren't.

May be with the growth of all the massive condos around people lacking garage workshop would provide maker spaces a second chance, though i'd bet more on the people just losing the habit and skills of making instead.