New Rules celebrates second anniversary by looking to the future

New Rules, a North Minneapolis - based shared work space and event meeting space, is celebrating its 2nd anniversary with a whole slew of events planned for October. The business has high hopes for its future and big dreams for North Minneapolis. Ph…

New Rules, a North Minneapolis - based shared work space and event meeting space, is celebrating its 2nd anniversary with a whole slew of events planned for October. The business has high hopes for its future and big dreams for North Minneapolis. Photo by Cirien Saadeh

By Cirien Saadeh | Staff Reporter

New Rules (2015-2019 Lowry Ave N), North Minneapolis’ creative, cooperative workspace, is celebrating its second anniversary this month. For President and CEO Chris Webley, New Rules is so much more than just a shared workspace; it is also an economic driver with a vision for North Minneapolis.

“New Rules creates a platform for people to follow their passion and have the resources to do so,” said Webley.  One example of that is Got the Juice, a smoothie and juice bar that operates inside the building. Other platforms include the shared workspace, an event and multipurpose center, a social marketplace for vendors to sell their goods, and business and creative services for nonprofits and small businesses.

The space plays host to a wide variety of community events, including an event hosted recently by Patrick Henry High School to announce their new project-based learning program and Minneapolis 2040 community engagement discussions. The Zen Bin, which is housed out of New Rules and co-owns Got the Juice, also hosts an array of programming, including yoga classes out of the space. New Rules also hosts evening programming for young people.

Chris Webley is New Rules’ founder and President. Photo by Cirien Saadeh

Chris Webley is New Rules’ founder and President. Photo by Cirien Saadeh

According to the New Rules website,  the business aims to take unused spaces in the Northside and turns them into co-created space for socioeconomic innovation and engagement. As part of this vision, they will be expanding soon to 927 W. Broadway, working in partnership with TRI Construction and the Phillips Family Foundation, where they hope to explore shared ownership and cohabitation of the space with other Northside entrepreneurs and innovators.

“New Rules is about modeling new behaviors to create equitable change on the Northside,” said Webley. He says this means offering a diverse array of community focused programming and investing in local spaces and people.

Alongside the smoothie shop and shared workspace, New Rules also sells merchandise (including clothing) from local artists. Photo by Cirien Saadeh

Alongside the smoothie shop and shared workspace, New Rules also sells merchandise (including clothing) from local artists. Photo by Cirien Saadeh

As part of their month of anniversary celebration, they are hosting a number of workshops. On Oct. 13, they will be hosting a “Demo Day,” beginning at 1:11pm at their Lowry Ave. location. The event will end at 4:11pm.  For Webley, “11” is a lucky number, so several of the planned events begin and/or at the 11 - minute mark. 

In 2019, Webley says the organization that they hopes to begin prototyping a pescatarian restaurant in their Lowry Ave space. Their current smoothie shop, Got the Juice, would be folded in. You can learn more about New Rules at http://www.newrulesmn.com/
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New Rules October Celebrations

  • Oct. 12, 7:11pm - 10:11pm, New Rules will host a “paint & sip” event. Bring you choice of apparel to paint on! Drinks will include cold - pressed juices and fresh smoothies!

  • Oct. 18, 12:11pm - 1:30pm, New Rules will be hosting a “Lunch and Learn” on the realities of entrepreneurship.

  • Oct. 20, 11:11am - 1:11pm, Hosted by Dr. Joj, this event will focus on self-care for entrepreneurs, community organizing, and everyone else

  • Oct. 25, 7:11pm - 9:11pm, Chef Gerard Klass will be hosting a meal prep class for entrepreneurs and others on the go.

All events require RSVP. Contact 612-548-4110 or visit www.newrulesmn.com to RSVP and to find more information. 






Cirien Saadeh