A Guide to Office Space in Milwaukee
Milwaukee has a lot to offer businesses that set up offices in the city, with the region having built an established reputation for innovation and growth.
The city boasts affordable running costs and well-connected transport links. It also has a thriving business ecosystem with plenty of funding and support options for entrepreneurs.
There was a time when the city was mostly thought of as a brewing powerhouse, being known for being home to Miller, Schlitz, and Pabst to name a few. Milwaukee is now known for a range of businesses across manufacturing, tech, and retail.
This guide covers everything a business needs to know when looking for office space for rent in Milwaukee.
Geography of Milwaukee
Milwaukee is located in the southeast of Wisconsin, alongside Lake Michigan. The city is known for its breweries and its packed festival calendar, which celebrates arts and cultures from around the world.
Choosing office space in Milwaukee can give your business a key advantage for connections to many different markets, offering easy access to other major Midwest destinations like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit.
Meanwhile, the Port of Milwaukee gives the city a key link to global shipping routes. For air travel, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport offers both passenger and cargo connections to the rest of the US and beyond.
Milwaukee’s location has allowed a variety of business sectors to thrive in the region, with key sectors including manufacturing, energy, food and beverages, and technology.
Below, we’ll look at some of Milwaukee’s key business districts and the major businesses located in the city.
Key business areas in Milwaukee
Milwaukee has a variety of thriving business districts, each of which has its own unique characteristics.
Below are some of the key business areas you should consider when looking for office space for rent in Milwaukee.
- Downtown Milwaukee: Office spaces in Downtown Milwaukee benefit from the city’s well-developed transport connections. The area is one of the city’s oldest and home to many of Milwaukee’s main cultural attractions.
- Historic Third Ward: Part of Downtown Milwaukee, the Historic Third Ward is home to Milwaukee’s art scene. The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and the Broadway Theatre Center are some of the cultural institutions based here.
- East Side: Since becoming a business improvement district in the 1980s, the East Side is now home to a diverse range of businesses, shops, and entertainment venues. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus is also located here.
- South Side: The South Side has many thriving retail areas and is close to Mitchell International Airport. The area is adjacent to industrial areas such as Menomonee Valley and Walker's Point, making it ideal for manufacturing and commerce businesses.
5 businesses based in Milwaukee
If you opt for Milwaukee office space, you’ll be in good company. The area has many leading businesses across manufacturing, finance, and retail.
Some of the leading businesses in Milwaukee include:
- Harley-Davidson Inc.: The iconic motorcycle brand has had its headquarters in Milwaukee since its foundation in 1903
- Rockwell Automation: The leading manufacturer of industrial power, control, and information systems
- Johnson Controls: A global leader in producing fire and security equipment for buildings
- Northwestern Mutual: A major financial planning and investment firm
- Kohl’s Corporation: A department store giant, is headquartered in the Menomonee Falls area of Milwaukee
Why you should rent office space in Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee is an attractive location for businesses due to its economy, pro-business environment, and thriving business community.
Below, we look into some of the reasons you should consider a business space for rent in Milwaukee.
1. Top city recognition
Milwaukee is known for its appeal to both tourists and business travelers alike. The area regularly tops polls naming it a must-visit destination.
In 2023, the city was named among the top three large cities in the US by readers of Condé Nast Traveler. That same year, National Geographic Magazine named Milwaukee as one of the best US travel destinations.
Forbes also found Milwaukee to be one of the top twenty destinations for young professionals across the US. This is due to the city’s relatively affordable home prices when considering its business and cultural opportunities.
2. Pro-business environment
Wisconsin’s pro-business climate makes it an attractive location for startups. The state has favorable tax policies, which allow businesses to retain more of their revenue to re-invest in business.
Milwaukee also has a supportive business climate. There is a thriving network of communities, programs, and funding opportunities for businesses looking to expand.
3. Entrepreneur and small business ecosystem
Milwaukee has a rich small business ecosystem with plenty of support options. There are around 50 organizations in the city that can help small businesses set up and expand.
This includes the Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. These organizations offer a variety of networking events as well as mentorship and funding assistance.
The University of Wisconsin's Small Business Development Center provides expansion programs for entrepreneurs. The city's Department of City Development offers support for business relocation.
4. Economic hub of the region
Downtown Milwaukee serves as the economic heart of the region. Since 2010, there has been over $3.5 billion invested in the area.
The area’s Downtown Plan 2040 lays out an ambitious plan to continue to invest billions in the area.
5. Eco-friendly business sector
Milwaukee has set ambitious goals for emissions reduction. The city plans to cut emissions by 45% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
The city’s commitment to sustainability makes it an attractive location for eco-friendly businesses.
The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council is an important initiative in this regard. It is committed to supporting sustainable businesses to thrive and work toward a better environmental future.
6. Economic growth
Milwaukee has been proactive in supporting job growth, and the city’s unemployment is comparatively low at just 3.7% in 2023.
The city continues to invest in economic growth programs to create more jobs for the local community. These include the Grow Milwaukee Recompete Plan, which hopes to invest $50 million in business growth and industrial development.
7. Growth and development
Milwaukee is a good destination for growing and developing businesses. The city was named one of the best places in America for business by Inc. Magazine and Startup Genome, a research organization.
The research found Milwaukee was one of only three metropolitan centers ranked in the top 10 for both net business creation and wage growth.
The $524 million Fiserv Forum arena and artistic coworking space Nō Studios were highlighted by the research. Both were noted as developments that have contributed to the city’s status as a high-growth city.
The city is particularly welcoming to young businesses looking for growth. In 2023, it was named the best location for early-stage investment growth across all cities in the US. It also scored 8th place in year-over-year capital growth nationwide.
8. Business travel and transport in Milwaukee
Milwaukee has a robust transportation system. Its public transportation system includes regular connections via train and bus. The city also operates a public bike and scooter system.
Much of the city is walkable, especially the downtown area, which allows for easy access to the city’s cultural attractions.
For drivers, Milwaukee is located at the intersection of I-94 and I-43, which offers connections to Minneapolis and Chicago.
For international travel, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is just five miles south of downtown. It has regular connections from the city center by rail and bus.
9. Milwaukee culture
Milkwaukee has a rich calendar of cultural events and entertainment for its residents. The city hosts festivals all year, including events for music, food, and drink lovers.
Music events include the annual Summerfest and Jazz In The Park. Milwaukee’s regular food and drink festivals include the Donut & Coffee Fest as well as the annual Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival.
Milwaukee also has plenty of options for sports lovers. The city is home to major sports teams, including the Bucks in the NBA and the Brewers in the MLB. There are also professional ice hockey and soccer teams.
The city has numerous theaters and art galleries for culture lovers. These include the Milwaukee Art Museum and the city’s Third Ward creative sector.
Office space for rent in Milwaukee will place your business on the doorstep of Milwaukee’s rich cultural heritage.
How much are Milwaukee office space rentals?
For businesses, Milwaukee offers a more cost-effective option than many other major US cities.
Office space in New York or San Francisco can easily reach $500 per person per month or more.
Meanwhile, with Regus, office space to rent in Milwaukee ranges from $185 to $249 per person each month.
This allows your company to benefit from Milwaukee’s rich culture and business ecosystem while investing more money back into your business.
Office space for rent in Milwaukee, WI
Regus has a variety of Milwaukee office space to suit teams of all sizes. Here are some key office spaces for rent in Milwaukee to consider.
Honey Creek Corporate Center IV
Honey Creek Corporate Center IV is a bright and airy office space with many local amenities.
The nearby Canon Park has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and green space for relaxing at break times. Milwaukee city center is also easily accessible via local buses and major highways.
Highlights include
- Meetings rooms
- Break-out areas
- City centre location
Information about Honey Creek Corporate Center IV
- Location: 9000 W. Chester St., Milwaukee, WI, 53214
- Starting cost: From $249 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: S92 & Adler Bus Stop (a five-minute walk away) and N92 & Hawthorne Bus Stop (an eight-minute walk away)
Liberty 1
Liberty 1 is a premium office space that’s sure to impress clients. The office has floor-to-ceiling windows and cream marble floors along with stylish meeting rooms and break-out areas.
The office sits next to a picturesque lake. A bus stop with connections to Milwaukee's city center is right outside.
Highlights include
- Meetings rooms
- Business lounge
- Break-out areas
Information about Liberty 1
- Location: 11414 W. Park Place, Milwaukee, WI, 53224
- Starting cost: From $239 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Park Place & 11414 W Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and Park Place & W11600 (a five-minute walk away)
Bayside
Bayside is located in North Milwaukee with easy access to the city center. Join a community of like-minded professionals in an office that includes plenty of break-out areas for collaboration.
The location has direct access to the Interstate 43 freeway, and the local bus service is just a four-minute walk away. Mitchell International Airport is less than a 30-minute drive by car, making the location ideal for international travelers.
Highlights include
- Meetings rooms
- Break-out areas
- Major transport links
Information about Bayside
- Location: 555 W. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53217
- Starting cost: From $249 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Brown Deer & Port Washington Bus Stop (a four-minute walk away) and Port Washington & Riverpoint (a four-minute walk away)
250 East Wisconsin Avenue
250 East Wisconsin Avenue offers panoramic city views in a central Milwaukee location. An on-site business lounge, coffee bar, and gym mean all your immediate needs are well catered for.
Milwaukee’s premium arts and shopping district, Third Ward, is less than a 10-minute walk from the office.
Celebrate successes or entertain new clients in one of the area’s many restaurants or art galleries.
Highlights include
- Business lounge
- On-site sandwich and coffee bar
- Gym and fitness room
Information about 250 East Wisconsin Avenue
- Location: 250 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
- Starting cost: From $189 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Wisconsin Avenue Southbound M-Line Train Station (a four-minute walk away) and Wisconsin & Water BRT Station Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)
1433 North Water Street
1433 North Water Street’s riverside location offers city views with convenience on your doorstep.
This creatively designed Milwaukee office space has a variety of workspaces and break-out areas to suit any team’s working style.
The office has a rooftop terrace, which is ideal for socializing with colleagues or hosting casual meetings. When venturing outside, a range of shops, eateries, and parks are just a short walk away.
Highlights include
- Meetings rooms
- Parking
- Outside seating area/terrace
Information about 1433 North Water Street
- Location: 1433 N Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
- Starting cost: From $219 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Water & Cherry Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away) and Broadway & Knapp Bus Stop (a three-minute walk away)
Mayer Building
Mayer Building is located in a historic building in Milwaukee’s Third Ward district. The area is known for its array of art galleries and performance venues, making it ideal for creative businesses.
This building is designed for collaboration with a lounge and break-out areas. There’s also a car park for drivers and easy public transport options across the city.
Highlights include
- Break-out areas
- Parking
- Business lounge
Information about Mayer Building
- Location: 342 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
- Starting cost: From $185 per month
- Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
- Nearby transport links: Historic Third Ward Westbound M-Line Train Station (a two-minute walk away) and Water & St PaulBus Stop (a two-minute walk away)
Explore Milwaukee office spaces with Regus
Whether you’re looking for small office space for rent in Milwaukee or something larger, Regus can help. Contact one of our specialists today to find out more.