The Mill City Times Interview: Nell Rueckl of Watershed Spa, opening in the historic Soap Factory building in 2021

Article by Becky Fillinger

Nell RuecklI’ve been lucky in my life to have visited spas and bath houses in many cities. We are all going to be the beneficiaries of Nell Rueckl’s new venture, Watershed Spa. Let the soaking begin!

Q:  Tell us about Watershed, your new venture.

A:  Watershed is a new destination for ritual-based, communal bathing in a respectful, safe, and clean environment, coupled with holistic spa services, integrative wellness treatments, and a retail area with green beauty, skincare, and home spa offerings. It will be located at 514 2nd Street NE, in the historic Soap Factory building. We plan to open late spring or early summer of 2021.

Q:  What makes the Soap Factory facility ideal for your vision?

A:  First, proximity to the river! Not only are we all about water’s healing properties, but we’re envisioning a contemporary take on ancient traditions, so it’s fitting to be in a historic setting. The heart of our cities is the Mississippi, crucial to history, to life, and to the community, and we feel really linked to it. Plus, it’s not far from our original Spot Spas location -  I love the support from our current community - we are so lucky to celebrate 20 years of bringing spa services to the Twin Cities.

Q:  What was the inspiration for Watershed?

A:  Having practiced massage for nearly 30 years, I am aware of the power of people connecting to their bodies and committing to health. As I’ve shaped my vision for Watershed, I’ve been visiting spas and communal baths around the country and around the world, and I can tell you that partaking in healthy practices in public, in community - quietly witnessing all kinds of people participating in the same rituals - has a magnifying effect that is simply unquantifiable. It’s powerful!

Q:  Why do you feel the Twin Cities is missing a key experience with no business currently offering a soaking ritual?

A:  Many people are looking for alternatives to bars as a gathering place to meet up with friends - people want to connect, but in a healthy way. There are saunas around town, but I firmly believe adding the sauna in with the rest of the components of bathing and spa treatments make for a really transformative addition to the options for individuals or groups. A visit would be a great way to start the day, end the day, or a great option before going out for a meal or after a yoga class, bike ride, ski or run.

Q:  How would you describe the Watershed experience? What is Watershed’s bathing ritual?

A:  Watershed will offer a contemporary take on the classic bathing ritual. Combining many traditions, Watershed will have all the elements of a full bathing experience, plus spa treatments - we’ll be the first location in town to have both!

The bathing ritual helps reset the mind and body. Visitors to Watershed will emerge with a sense of peace and calm. After checking in, guests will enter a changing area with secure storage of personal goods. Next up is a visit to western-style showers in order to clean the body and further prepare for the communal bathing experience. This is followed by access to a communal soaking tub that is social but a restful place, and sauna and steam areas, which aid in detoxification and enhance relaxation, as well as a cold plunge pool, which recharges and rejuvenates. The hot-cold cycle is really restorative. Bathers can rest and repeat as much as they wish throughout their visit. We’re creating some really wonderful areas for rest and relaxation, including one with energetically infused gemstones. We’re also creating a sea salt floor, which  cleans and brightens energetic levels and restores balance.

Watershed is co-ed, but single-sex bathing times will be available. Bathers wear swimsuits, special footwear that we give out, and we will incorporate the strictest cleaning and safety precautions.

Q:  What other services are available besides the baths?

A:  A full range of spa services will also be available: 

• Massage
• Skin Care
• Acupuncture
• Cupping
• Integrative Healing Modalities
• Vibrational Sound Healing
• Private Pods for Guided Meditation
• Private Salt Saunas

Additionally, we will have a really lovely retail area with our favorite clean skincare products, green beauty items, and home spa items - candles, gifts and more.

Q:  Will Spot remain as a stand-alone business? 

A:  Spot's staff will move over! We’ll most likely let the NE location go because of proximity to Watershed.  

Q:  Will you have grand opening special events?

A:  TBD! Right now I would suggest people follow us on Facebook and Instagram and we will continue to serve during this time, virtually or otherwise.

Q:  We all live in close proximity to the Mississippi River and many lakes. Does the access to water resources inspire you?  

A:  Yes, I am so excited about the proximity to the river and the location. A great synergy.

Q:  Tell me more about the @ifundwomen campaign.    

Yes, we’ve just launched a fundraising campaign to help give us a boost as we begin construction. There’s been great enthusiasm from the community, both from people who weren’t familiar with this concept and from people who have visited baths in other cities - it’s wonderful. With the campaign, we’ve designed many levels so people can participate according to their budget. I think we’ve come up with a nice variety of incentives for donors, from gift packages to day-passes to a variety of memberships. We also have a limited number of founding memberships available - those come with extra perks that won’t be available once we’re open.

Q:  Will you offer gift certificates for purchase in time for the holidays?

A:  Absolutely! Our website launches on November 27th, or folks can follow @WatershedSpa on social media. We also have gift certificates still available for Spot Spas. Shop early, shop local! This not only gives shoppers something to look forward to, but it helps support small businesses during a particularly difficult time.

The logo depicts a water droplet and a rooftop or shed. Created by Kelly Munson.

Q:  Please tell me any other important dates in the lead up to opening.

A:  Our website launches on Black Friday, November 27, and we’ll open our doors in late spring/early summer of 2021, stay tuned for ribbon cutting info. We are optimistic we can create a safe, healthy, healing, and unique oasis for people. There’s a reason why the bathing ritual has been around in many cultures for many generations!