Chicago-based Steelcase dealer and women-owned business Forward Space has announced plans to develop its new Milwaukee, Wisconsin, location on the Kinnickinnic River in Milwaukee’s Harbor District.
Forward Space originally expanded to Milwaukee last August after the sudden closure of Forrer Business Interiors, which displaced several Milwaukee workers. Since the company’s entrance into Milwaukee, Forward Space has taken big steps to support Milwaukee Steelcase customers, as well as local employees and operations.
Thus far, the company has hired 20 Milwaukee-based employees, some of which were formerly employed at Forrer Business Interiors and now are announcing plans to renovate the former Paul Davis Restoration office building located at 2000 S. 4th St., across the river from the new Michels headquarters and River 1 development.
“We are thrilled about new location in Milwaukee’s up and coming Harbor District,” said Jenny Niemann, principal owner and CEO of Forward Space. “After the transition and challenges our Milwaukee team experienced last year, I am excited for them to have a wonderful new workplace and a fresh start.”
Forward Space and the Druml Company are working with RINKA to renovate the building’s interior, intended to house a dual-purpose workspace and furniture showroom. In the works are the demolition of interior walls to create a grand view to the river from the entrance, as well as the incorporation of a centrally-located social kitchen, employee work café, mezzanine overlooking the main floor, glass garage doors to access adjacent outdoor work and event spaces and patio on the river.
The space will also feature a meditation/wellness room, flexible and mobile workstations and collaboration settings, customer oasis, meeting zone with glass-walled conference rooms and phone booths for teleconferencing, as well as individual rooms to feature education and healthcare furniture settings.
Forward Space previously opened a warehouse and small front office at 1966 S. 4th St. and a small showroom near the Fiserv Forum. Renovations are now in progress for the main office and showroom at 2000 S. 4th St. All properties are owned by the Druml Company with leasing supported through senior associate Alyssa Geisler of CBRE. Renovations of 2000 S. 4th Street are being designed by RINKA.
