U.S. Venture - 222 Building


Scope: Renovation | Area: 280,000 sq ft | Completion Date: In Progress

Hoffman is currently conducting a comprehensive renovation of the landmark 222 Building in downtown Appleton for U.S. Venture, who purchased the building and will turn it into their next corporate headquarters. Renovation of the 11-story building is expected to be complete by summer of 2026. 

The first floor will feature a main lobby and waiting lounge, meeting rooms, and a large social gathering space adjacent to two 75-person training rooms. The second floor features a private fitness suite with new changing/locker rooms, and a private cafeteria space for U.S. Venture associates. The third through tenth floors are typical office levels with open-office areas, private offices, conference rooms, social spaces, quiet rooms, and mothers/nursing rooms. 

U.S. Venture - 222 Building

All floors feature a variety of furniture types and systems to accommodate all working styles and privacy requirements. A portion of the eleventh floor is being transformed into a private social lounge for U.S. Venture associates. 

In addition to the interior renovations, an existing plaza space next to the building will be expanded and infilled with a new patio structure for enjoyment by both Appleton residents and U.S. Venture associates. The structure’s lower level will feature a large garage-style door and be available to the public, while the separate upper level will be connected to the second-floor cafeteria space that will used by U.S. Venture associates. 

U.S. Venture proudly celebrates their past while always moving forward, and this building and its design aesthetic are evidence of that. Throughout the building, historically significant elements are showcased as well as the use of environmental graphics celebrating the past and future. Working within the parameters of historic preservation guidelines, there were influences from the Mid-Century Modern era that can be seen in some of the DNA of our interventions. While not period specific, there are several Art Deco motifs that arise as inspired from architectural elements in the original building. The first floor preserves key historical elements from the original 1960’s design but introduces a modern aesthetic more fitting of a major corporate headquarters. The eleventh-floor penthouse lounge recalls a more vintage era throughout, blending an Art Deco and Neo-Industrial aesthetic all while interweaving visuals of U.S. Venture history and the historic context of downtown Appleton.

Beyond the attached patio structure, the exterior of the building will remain relatively unchanged outside of building signage and a new, more convenient associate entry on the building’s West side.