A new co-working space called Genius@Work has opened in the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Milwaukee.
The 1,200-square-foot space was created by Rosemont, Ill.-based First Hospitality Group, which owns the hotel, designed by Interior Investments and built by Venture Development.
Genius@Work is available to both hotel guests and the general public 365 days a year for a fee. The modern space includes high-speed Wi-Fi, AV equipment, a printing/scanning/fax/copy machine, and complimentary coffee, tea and snacks. It is divided into an open office environment, two private rooms and a conference room that can seat 10.
There are many other co-working spaces in Milwaukee, including Hudson Business Lounge, 96square and Bucketworks.
Genius@Work sets itself apart because it is connected to the hotel and its amenities and guests, said Elizabeth MacFarlane, development associate for First Hospitality Group. Guests don’t have to leave the hotel to use the co-working space, and they can network with travelers from around the world who are also staying at the hotel. In addition, catering, valet services, guest rooms and additional meeting spaces are available from the hotel for meetings held in the space.
FHG expects to sign up about 50 to 100 individuals for annual memberships, and offer up to 35 day passes each day. Corporate memberships are also available, MacFarlane said.
Membership options range from one day for $20 to a full year for $1,200. The conference room can also be rented by the hour.
“Genius@Work is coming to the Milwaukee marketplace at a pivotal time,” said Robert Habeeb, FHG president and chief operating officer. “With the surge in new business and startups in the city, Genius@Work provides an inspirational space and all the resources necessary for those individuals and groups to gather, share ideas and collaborate.”
