A Third Place

In community building, a “third place” is the social space we inhabit outside of work, school, and home. It creates togetherness and civic fulfillment. Riverside’s cafe and community venue offer South Jackson a third place. Our goods and services will include coffee, ice cream, movie nights, workshops, clinics, and more, depending on the expressed needs and interests of our neighbors. Everything we offer is locally-sourced and accessible to all ages and incomes.

Our Goal

Our vision is to be a multipurpose community space in South Jackson. Our mission: to create local gathering, employment, and education opportunities through community engagement and democratic decision-making.

Riverside envisions an affordable and inclusive center where students, parents, and neighbors can meet over food and drink, come together for community events, and access after-school enrichment. We’re building a home away from home, school, and work. A place where everyone is welcome, every day of the week, for as long as they like. Owned and operated by the people it serves, Riverside’s cooperative model feeds its success directly back to its neighborhood. 

Our Cooperative Model

As a worker-owned, youth-led, and community-controlled collective, Riverside promotes democratic forms of participation in business and in life by leveling the power imbalance in traditionally hierarchical relationships. Made up of the populations we serve, all Riverside employees will enjoy livable wages and access to co-ownership of the business (including equitable decision-making power and an allocation of annual profits). In line with these values, students in the after-school program will be compensated for the co-creation of their education, and neighbors will have meaningful influence over the direction of Riverside’s development.