Last week, OnMilwaukee.com posted a brief about a new Downtown space called The Box and a few days later, we sat down with co-owners Jaime Levine and Jamie Berger and got more information about this innovative venture.

The Box opened earlier this fall at 628 N. Broadway in the former Pennywise space and is available to rent for events.

"Our original concept was to bring life back to Broadway," says Berger. "We view this as a raw space open for all to be creative from artists to photo shoots to health and wellness uses as well as all things corporate and social. We are banking on all to 'Think Inside The Box ...’"

The Box is 3,500 square feet with cream city brick walls, high ceilings, polished wood floors and massive windows with nice views of Downtown Milwaukee. There are two private bathrooms as well as Internet connection and versatile lighting than can accommodate all types of events from meetings to parties.

So far, The Box hosted the most recent Gallery and Fashion Night out and have booked photo and film shoots, non-profit events, midday yoga/meditation for Downtown workers, corporate functions, seminars and private social events.

Levine and Berger did a fair share of renovating after they took over the floor but say they wanted to maintain its integrity at the same time.

"We wanted to keep the classic Milwaukee feel," says Berger. "We did cosmetic and mechanical updates to put a fresh face on this amazing raw space."

The building is owned by MBI Properties LLC and Levine and Berger rent the space from the company.

The cost to rent The Box is $125 per hour. Discounts to non-profit organizations and to those with long term bookings are also available.

Berger and Levine are both business professionals in other fields as well. Levine is an attorney and also is involved with non-profit development and Berger currently works in promotions, marketing and branding with a background in fashion. 

"This type of venture is new to us both, but we both are professionals in our own right with a creative flair so the decision came about to turn this amazing space into a current spot and use it to its full potential," says Berger.

A similar concept opened recently in Walker's Point called Rail Hall, 131 W. Seeboth St., which is a 4,000-square foot renovated warehouse space that's also available for rentals.

"This space is unique as it is whatever you want it to be. A classic space infused with our eclectic style of a mixed media of vintage meets modern," says Berger.

The possibilities of what the space can and will be is what Levine and Berger find most exciting about their new business.

"The Box speaks for itself. It is raw, open, flexible, urban, hip, classic, unique with a vintage and modern twist that will appeal to all who want to DIY or work with one the members of our Tool Box. Centrally located in the heart of Downtown provides a vibe like no other," says Berger.