An Interview with Sebastian Franks of Milk Street Studio
Milk Street got its name from the herd of cows kept by the Cocheco Manufacturing Company. The cotton mills in Dover needed 30,000 bushels a year of cow manure for “dung baths”. Newly-printed cotton ran through this acidic bath to set the colors. The company didn’t care about the milk the cows produced and gave it away to its employees for free. And that’s how Milk Street got it’s name.
Milk Street Studio is an emerging, vibrant center for musicians and artists. I had the pleasure of touring the facility and speaking with Sebastian Franks, the studio’s assistant manager. Our conversation revealed not only a passion for music and community, but the innovative reuse of an industrial space that defines Milk Street Studio.
“It’s so funny [about the cows] because the waste was what they were using, and the precious milk was the byproduct,” said Franks.
The studio’s previous life as a flooring store is still visible in subtle ways. A big, huge orange sign in the lobby reads “Flooring.” Also in the lobby are several vinyl and linoleum sample squares. The carpeting that was left behind from the flooring business was repurposed in the studio. “There are still wood floor sample signs, and the carpeting was part of the old place,” Franks said. Owner Kurt Eddins repurposed many materials during the renovation, blending the old with the new.
Behind the renovation, a warehouse still exists, yet to be utilized, and Franks shared potential exciting plans for the future of that unfinished space, including a potential recording studio or collaborations with local artisans like a luthier. “We want this place to be a hub for creativity and community,” Franks emphasized.
The lounge area immediately stood out as a welcoming space, perfect for relaxation, casual interactions, and networking. “We didn’t want people hanging outside because it’s a problem with neighbors. We wanted things contained here, but also just having this community space with people and kind of collaborate and meet other musicians. And. Yeah, just trying to network a little bit. It’s very awesome.”
In fact, one of Milk Street Studio’s priorities was addressing noise concerns from neighbors. Eddins made sure he met every neighbor before he even approached the city planning board. Frank detailed the extensive soundproofing efforts, including double-layered sheetrock and staggered studs. “It’s not 100% sound isolation, but it’s pretty significant,” he noted. Building good relationships with neighbors was essential aspect of transforming the former flooring store into a community asset.
Franks pointed out Kurt’s room, the first space they set up. “It’s mostly for jam sessions but also serves as our multi-function room,” he explained. Acoustic panels lined the walls, along with guitars, and several speakers. Two quality microphones, a drum set, and a faded hand-knotted Ankara Sedan area rug.
Jam session rooms rent between $700 and $900 monthly and $30 hourly rates.
“If a few people split the cost, it’s very reasonable,” Franks pointed out. The convenience of having equipment on-site eliminates the hassle of setup and teardown, making it easier for musicians to focus on their craft.
Despite being open for just a month, Milk Street Studio is already fostering a sense of community. They’ve hosted events like drum circles and listening parties. “We’re trying to get the word out and show people the potential of this space,” Franks said. The studio is designed not just for music but also is a versatile venue.
Frankss enthusiasm for Milk Street Studio is palpable. “I’m most excited to see what this place could be,” he shared. “The possibilities for musicians are endless. It’s a space to hone your craft, learn, play, and have fun.”
“There’s a need for a space like this in Dover,” said Franks. “The idea is that it’s a place the community can use, you know. We’re trying to cultivate this arts and music space. And like this this room [the lobby], you know, we, we’ve talked about a lot of different ideas. But you know, somebody needs a space to do a yoga session or Pilates or, you know, whatever. This building is here and it’s available. We want people to know that. We want to see Milk Street Studio coming to fruition. So it’s not just music, it’s music focused, and it’s here and available.”
For more information, or to watch live streamed jam sessions, check out Milk Street Studio’s Facebook page.
