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We don’t usually blog about ourselves. Most days, we’d rather share ideas, how‑tos, and stories that help you work better—wherever you do it. Today’s a rare exception. We’re telling a bit of our story not to look back, but to offer context for what is coming next, and why it matters to anyone seeking a place—and a community—to do their best work.
In the early days of coworking, before “hybrid” was a household word, a few communities took a bet on a simple idea: people do better work when they’re around others who care and do similar work. In the Twin Cities, that story started with us.
Being the first matters—not as nostalgia, but as proof of purpose. Our origin wasn’t about desks; it was about creating a place where ambition feels at home, where ideas bump into each other, where you feel supported, and where the rituals of daily work—coffee, conversation, quiet focus—add up to something bigger. That early conviction has shaped how we design space, build community, and continually reinvent what a modern workplace can be.
Why our history is more than a timeline
- We learned by doing. Early on, we saw that the “amenity” people valued most wasn’t furniture—it was belonging. That’s why our programming, layout, and even our language prioritize people over products.
- We built for variety because work isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. From day one, we’ve balanced heads‑down focus with bump‑into‑someone moments. That mix—privacy, collaboration, and ritual—isn’t an afterthought for us; it’s the blueprint.
- We bet on community leadership. Some of our best ideas came from members. Over time, we created a model where the community has agency: member‑led events, shared rituals, and lightweight ways to contribute (and be seen).
What being the “first” coworking space in the Twin Cities looks like today
We constantly iterate and adapt ourselves and our spaces to the changing needs of our members and guests. Here’s how our founding principles show up now:
- Community as a design constraint: We plan programming and spatial flow to create natural points of intersection, creating light, energizing connections that spark fresh ideas and opportunities without the pressure of constant networking.
- Hybrid for humans: Tools changed; needs didn’t. We’re optimized for how people actually work today, leveraging phone booths and well-designed areas for video calls, meeting rooms with hybrid technology and setups conducive to how meetings are happening, open and closed spaces, personalized team packages, and large team areas in our commons.
- Local roots, real texture: Spaces should feel like they belong to the city that surrounds them. We weave in neighborhood identity, local business connections, and historic context so people feel grounded the moment they walk in.
Innovation you can feel
“Innovation” in our world isn’t just tech or trends; it’s the craft of creating conditions where good work happens more often:
- Signal over noise: Spaces that make it easier to get into flow—and just as easy to step out and connect.
- Rituals that stick: Member breakfasts, happy hour, and recurring programming make community simple to join and natural to sustain.
- Access to momentum: From a day pass to a dedicated office, we give people the right‑sized commitment for the work life they’re actually living.
Where we’re headed
We’ll keep deepening what makes this community different:
- More ways to participate, not just attend—member‑led formats, weekly rituals, seasonal events, and light‑touch collaborations.
- Smarter local ties—programming and partnerships that reflect the neighborhoods we’re part of.
- Better storytelling—showing real people doing real work so that others can picture themselves here.
Why this matters now
If you’re deciding where to do your best work this year, here’s the truth we’ve carried from day one: people don’t just buy memberships—they join a story. Ours started early in the Twin Cities and continues to evolve with every member who walks in, every project launched over coffee, and every quiet morning that turns into an unexpectedly great day.
Call to action
- Visit when the space is alive. Try a Tuesday for energy and a Friday for focus—you’ll feel the difference.
- Join a ritual. Come for gourmet coffee or a member‑led session and see what connection looks like in real life.
- Bring your work, bring your story. We’ll make the space; you make it yours.