DROP-IN COWORKING
Milwaukee's most unique
workspace for creatives & entrepreneurs.
The best parts about working
from the coffee shop...minus the coffee shop.
The Bindery's coworking program is built for folks who want casual workspace outside of their home, but something a step-up from from the noise and bustle of a cafe. (Plus the coffee here is free!)
Our space is a modern mix of industrial and Mid-Century vibes that reflect our heritage as a 1950's book bindery. We're professional, but not stuffy: creative, but not just for artists.
$15 gives you all day access M-F from 10am to 6pm (with extended and weekend hours pending). Come and go as you please, drink all the coffee or tea you need, and then return to your home as a work-free zone.
Now proudly brewing
Coffee Wizardz
(& selling their beans!)
Need 24/7 Access? Private offices are available.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
We serve all kinds. Looking for a meeting room? Place to do hands-on work? Help with a project? We've got you covered.
The Bindery is a large and flexible facility here to meet the needs of Milwaukee's creative class in a host of ways. If coworking isn't the right fit, maybe you're looking for one of the below.
Private Meeting Room
A cozy meeting room for 2 to 6 folks. Great for private calls, client meetings and group brainstorming. A white board, easel, and digital projector are available upon request. Please reach out to info@binderymke.com or 414-482-3630 to book a slot.
$15 / hour (up to 3 hours)
Or $10/hr in combo with a drop-in day
Bindery Makerspace
Private, bookable makerspace to bind and finish printed work. This area contains tools and equipment for simple folding, cutting and binding. Lots of surface area and natural light make this cozy zone great for making zines and chapbooks. Learn more on our community print shop page.
$10 / hour
Learn more on our community shop page
Self-Service High-Res Printing
Walk-up access to professional-level laser printing, copying and scanning in either grayscale or full, gorgeous color. Our Xerox unit is a versatile digital press that can adapt from simple text, to eye-popping photos--all on a huge range of paper sizes, thicknesses, textures and coatings. Privately-booked use of our Xerox C9065 is available during regular business hours. Please see our community print shop page for more details.
$0.07 BW / $0.15 COLOR
Learn more on our community shop page
Letterpress and Bookbinding Lessons
For those interested in access to more advanced tools and equipment including our Vandercook presses and collection of historic type. The Bindery's expert staff offers one on one lessons for specific project needs, starting at $75/hr. Once a certain level of knowledge is reached, on-going access to the shop is granted. Please see our community print shop page for more details.
$ Varies
Learn more on our community shop page
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What is your space like? Can I come by for a tour?Our coworking area is 2,000 square feet of naturally lit, open workspace with various seating options. Large tables allow for spreading out and collaboration while small tables invite privacy. A sofa and soft seating welcome a more casual approach to work. Our kitchen offers a full size fridge and microwave--both at the ready for your lunchtime needs. Coffee and tea are available all day. We're here to be comfortable, low-key, and productive. The coworking space also shares a glass wall with The Bindery's actual working print shop and old school book factory/repair center. It's a fascinating [yet quiet and unassuming] chance to glimpse something unique during your workday. The building was recently gut-renovated and contains new technology for air filtration, security, and comfort. Single-unit, all-gender bathrooms offer affirming privacy and, of course, ADA compliance. You're welcome to pop by to see the space and ask questions, but please give us a ring first to make sure a staff member is available to assist you. 414-482-3630.
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What hours are you open for dropping in? Do I just...show up?Please be sure to sign up to work on our calendar. We're typically open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm but occasionally we host private events during the day and are temporarily closed for drop-in hours. We don't want you showing up and finding us closed! Once you're on the calendar you can shop up any time you like throughout the day, and come and go as you please until closing time at 6. When you first arrive, please find a staffer or ring the front bell. We'll give you the wifi password, answer any questions, and you're set to go!
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Do I need to be "creative" or an "artist" to cowork at The Bindery?Absolutely not! We're a creative space for sure, but consider ourselves a "non-traditional office environment." Just like you don't need to be a coffee expert to enjoy working at a cafe, you don't need to know a thing about book arts to work at The Bindery. Our coworkers come from all backgrounds and work in the space on all sorts of things from IT and marketing to design and editing. What folks tend to have in common is that they are looking for a non-standard, creative-leaning work environment that they are unable to find in a typical "office space." Essentially, if you look at our website and think, wow, that looks like the space for me--then it is! Come on by and join us.
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A ten day pass is a great deal! How do I buy one?Ten day passes are $100 (so just $10 per day instead of $15)! To purchase one for yourself or as a gift, please call The Bindery at 414-482-3630 so that we can set one up for you. Passes expire after six months of creation so just be sure to use your days before they're gone! If you're giving a pass as a gift and want to set the start date a little later on [so that the recipient gets their full 6 months-worth], please let us know at the time of purchase.
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Do you offer private offices or studio space?Yes! We have a limited number of cozy, private office-studios that are available on a rolling, three-month basis. These spaces are furnished with custom built-in storage and desk space that is are ideal for individuals doing quiet, "non-messy" work like writing, editing, graphic design, admin, etc. These spaces each have a separately keyed locking door and 24-7 access to the entire coworking area including the kitchen, and meeting room. Studio pricing starts at $375/mo (with a three month commitment). Please reach out if you'd like to see one in person!
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Can someone visit me during my workday? What about a client?Yes, of course: we welcome visitors! If your friend wants to pop by with lunch for you, or a client needs to have a quick meeting--no problem at all. We just ask that you don't abuse this privilege: anyone coming by for more than a few minutes, or to just sit and work alongside you on their own thing, should buy their own drop-in pass for the day. Our team is happy to hook them up with one!
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How do I reserve a room or equipment in the space?Our main offerings are managed with easy online booking that allows coworkers to book work days, walk-up printing, and time in our bindery makerspace. This means you always know you have what you need reserved. For other private bookings including our meeting room, please reach out to our team at info@binderymke.com or 414-482-3630 to get on the schedule.
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What are the legal terms and conditions of coworking?The Bindery is a community space and everyone's safety and comfort is important to us (including our own as a business and team)! The attached document contains all the "legalese" regarding space use at The Bindery. By coworking here you are agreeing to these terms. The long, fussy fine print is essentially clarifying these key points: We're here to be your colleagues and resource provider (not your landlord). You're an adult in charge of yourself: act with kindness and do your dishes. You can't do anything illegal while working in the space. Make sure your own insurance covers your items in the space: ours does not. The Bindery and its partners cannot be held liable for harm or damages: coworkers are responsible for their own safety and responsible use of the space. We are a hate-speech free zone and provide equal space and services to the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities (along with other marginalized folks). We keep your information private and confidential. We want you to be happy working with us: ask for help whenever you like! Please find the full terms and conditions here: