It has been an exciting month at Redesign. Between weekends of skating fun and planning for upcoming events at The Coliseum and around the neighborhood, I've hardly had time to sit down and write this!
If you don't yet know me yet (and I hope that changes soon!) my name is Krista Pearson, and I am the Community Engagement Manager here at Redesign. In this role, I get to connect with our neighbors to listen and dream together about what could be possible in our community. This work can be so heartwarming (the conversations I've had at the skating rink this month!) and incredibly difficult (working to build equity and radical grassroots ideals in an industry that thrives on the status quo is not easy). But it's always worth it.
Krista installing the synthetic skating rink on Lake Street
For over two decades, I’ve collaborated with neighbors, artists, and organizations to build spaces where people feel heard, connected, and empowered. I landed at Redesign in 2023 and within 2 weeks was walking the blocks around our lot at 2800 East Lake, learning about the furnaces needed at Foci Glass, and celebrating art with Metro Work Force at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. What an abundant community!
At Redesign, we believe that strong, vibrant communities are only possible when they rise out of deep listening, understanding, and relationships. Community engagement isn’t just something we do—it’s at the core of how we work. Whether we’re supporting small businesses, shaping new developments, or preserving historic spaces, we strive to listen first. We are working with you to ensure that changes in our neighborhoods reflect the dreams, assets, and voices of the people who live and work here.
In that spirit, I hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and find some valuable ways to plug in, reach out, listen, speak, and connect.
I hope to see you out in the community very soon. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to share an idea or just to say hello. We’re building this future together, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.
With appreciation, Krista Pearson Community Engagement Manager, Redesign Inc.
Big Fun!
East Lake Skate & Sauna
We had a blast hosting Art Shanties, creative activities, a sauna and an all-weather skating rink at 2800 Lake all throughout the month of March to bring community together and hear what folks want to see on this site in the future.
As Redesign is looking for partners to transform the site, we are continuing the conversation with the community to make sure the work continues to stay aligned with our community's vision.
There's still time to weigh in! Fill out the online survey to let us know what you're dreaming up for 2800 E Lake!
What's next? We will create development concepts for the site using what we’ve heard, translating ideas into site plans. We’ll invite you to review these plans and tell us what you like and don’t!
East Lake Skate & Sauna was funded by Lake Street Lift and put on in partnership with Lake Street Council and the Art Shanty Projects.
Join us! Small Business Support Event
The Exchange
Thursday, April 24 | 5:30-7:30 PM | Historic Coliseum Building
As a small business owner, you have challenges – but you also have a lot of expertise. Join your fellow neighborhood entrepreneurs to connect, share expertise, and identify common challenges to build a stronger, more connected, and resilient business corridor.
What to Expect:
👋Networking: Engage with fellow business owners to build valuable connections.
💡Skill-Sharing: Participate in discussions where you can both offer and receive guidance on topics like marketing strategies, navigating permits, and hiring practices.
☑️Needs Inventory: Uncover common shared challenges and contribute to shaping future workshops and resources.
This event is supported by funding from Lake Street Lift.
Meet your neighbors and join us at the Verna and Focus Arts Buildings! Enjoy hyperlocal arts, hands-on activities, and more. Learn more about what makes up Seward Commons and stay tuned for more event details.
PARTNER EVENT: S.H.A.K.E and Bus Stop Mamas
Mama March
Monday, June 21 | TIME | The Historic Coliseum
Your neighbors at S.H.A.K.E. in partnership with Bus Stop Mamas, are shining light on the critical value of women in the community as mothers, as spouses, as aunties, as friends, as sisters, as neighbors, as caregivers and as hard workers who not only contribute to society, deliver it! They are asking for your support to:
1. Share the Mama March with your network 2. Contribute an item for the mama goody bag 3. Offer a Mama March special for your business customers 4. Join the march!
Wadaag Commons, the capstone of the 15-years-in-the-making Seward Commons project is scheduled to finish construction in June. This 6-story building will provide 39 deeply affordable homes designed for large families, High Priority Homeless households, and people with disabilities.
Redesign provides free and low-cost services to entrepreneurs and small businesses in our community. Reach out if you or an entrepreneur you know needs:
Formerly a Taco Bell, this property boasts a renovated kitchen, walk-in cooler/freezer, sales counter, dining area, and two bathrooms. Contact Lawrence for more information.
1915 22nd Street
Located in the Verna building, this space offers over 4,000 square feet of retail space, including a small office space, bathrooms and showers, a shared community patio, and lots of natural light. Contact Alan for more information.
2700 E Lake Street
Located in the heart of Longfellow, the Historic Coliseum Building is newly renovated and features sunny open spaces suitable for a variety of uses as well as shared amenities including showers, bike storage, foot-washing stations, meditation rooms, lataction rooms, on-site parking, and multiple event spaces. Contact Assembly MN for more information.
None of these quite fit the bill? Fill out our Space Search Inquiry form! We will be in touch with you about spaces in the neighborhood that might be just what you're looking for.
We are so happy to see that Wellington Management is on their way to completing the Rivkin Apartments across from our office! A modern six-story mixed-use community offering a variety of affordable housing options with 155 thoughtfully designed units, a fitness center, bike storage, community room with patio, and an outdoor play area for kids as well as rooftop solar, EV charging stations, and a stormwater reuse system. Conveniently located near commercial spaces and designed with both comfort and the environment in mind, Rivkin Apartments open April 1st!
Historic Coliseum Building Honored with Preservation Award
Redesign and our partners were recently awarded AIA Minnesota's Preservation award for The Historic Coliseum Building.
"The Historic Coliseum Building sets a new standard for community-centered architectural preservation and adaptive reuse. Constructed in 1917, this neighborhood cornerstone embodies over a century of history as a space for gathering, dining, and commerce. Scarred during the 2020 civil unrest following the murder of Mr. George Floyd, nonprofit Community Developer Redesign, Inc. responded to the community’s cries to change how our communities are structured and constructed by purchasing the building and partnering with BIPOC-led business owners Alicia Belton, Janice Downing, and Shanelle & Chris Montana to restore the Coliseum as a symbol of resilience, healing, and hope."
Project Highlight
Moon Dog Landscaping's Storefront Improvement Project
Ooh la la! We love what Moon Dog Landscaping did with their Storefront Improvement grant! What would you do with up to $10,000 in matching funds to improve the outside of your business?
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