The Verna

Date

2021

Category

Commercial Real Estate,

The Verna is a dynamic business incubator designed to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. This innovative space offers a supportive environment where startups can thrive, evolve, and eventually move on to larger ventures or pivot in new directions.

 

Over the years, The Verna has seen a variety of businesses come and go, each contributing to the building’s vibrant and ever-changing landscape. The turnover is part of the incubator’s mission—nurturing growth, encouraging resilience, and supporting each business through its unique journey.

 

Currently, The Verna is home to:

  • Solcana Fitness: A fitness community that has grown successfully and is now preparing to move into its own building at Minnehaha and Lake. Their progression to property ownership marks a significant milestone, and we’re thrilled to see them reach this new level of success.
  • 826MSP: A youth literacy organization offering courses in character development, creative writing, and homework help. They provide after-school programs, host engaging poetry events, and are part of a renowned national network.
  • Soomaal House of Art: An art gallery showcasing the rich and diverse artistic expressions of the Somali community.

 

The Verna stands as a testament to the power of incubation in fostering business innovation and growth, reflecting Redesign’s commitment to supporting the entrepreneurial spirit in our community.

The Verna is named for Verna Strick, a longtime Seward resident who loved people and her neighborhood. Verna dedicated her life to helping others through activism and community service. She was a founding member of the Seward Neighborhood Group, President of both Seward Elementary and South High parent teacher associations, and the driving force behind developing what is now Seward Montessori School and Matthews Park. Verna was a board member of Pillsbury Waite Neighborhood Services and charter member of the Greater South Committee. She also served on the Minneapolis City Council’s Community Improvement Citizens Advisory Committee. Verna passed away in 2004. Seward is a better place because of her activism. She will be remembered for years to come.