About The Kilns

Brought to you by the team behind My Half of the Sky, The Kilns offers a blend of professionalism and inspiration, catering to busy professionals devoted to social impact and personal growth.

Named after the home of C.S. Lewis, the famous author of The Chronicles of Narnia, The Kilns was a place of weekly gathering for his friends to encourage, sharpen, and imagine a better world through good work + good culture.

Like Lewis’ home, our shared coworking lounge is for creators and makers to find refuge to focus, connect, and thrive without the distractions of everyday life.

A rooftop garden with purple flowering vines hanging overhead, two tables and chairs, and green bushes along a walkway, with a small building in the background.
Interior of a modern, upscale dining area with a long marble table, surrounded by chairs with sleek designs, ceiling decorated with gold lighting fixtures, large windows with curtains, potted plants, and a few people at the back near a counter.
A 3D rendering of an outdoor patio area with two wooden gazebos, a seating area with white furniture, a fire pit, and a landscaped garden with flowers and bushes.

Rooftop Garden

Spring 2026 (final)

Amenities

Work & Productivity

  • Convenient mobile app to book meeting rooms & amenities

  • 24/7 keyless access

  • Business-grade Wi-Fi

  • Complimentary conference rooms with Smart TB + whiteboard

  • 5 phone booth rooms

  • Printers & mailbox service

  • Private offices available

  • Lockers for monitor storage & BYOB

Comfort & Hospitality

  • Complimentary coffee, tea, & snacks

  • My Half of the Sky espresso bar & food menu available for purchase and delivered to your workspace

  • Shared community kitchen area

  • Dedicated on-site hospitality manager

Community & Connection

  • 2 free guests/day

  • Social network opportunities

  • Discounted event tickets for lectures, concerts, & more

  • Discounted event venue rental

  • Private members’ app with directory

  • A community of business & non-profit professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, & makers of good things

Inspiration & Relaxation

  • Rooftop garden *coming soon!

  • The Rabbit Room Library

  • Inspiring coworking & social spaces

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there storage available for monitors and personal items?

Yes! Locker storage is available for rent. We have just under 50 lockers, so space is limited. Please contact us to check availability. 

How do I use the printer, rent a conference room, or get help after-hours?

Printer services are included. Instructions for common needs such as printing, conference room rental, and emergency contacts after hours (7 PM–7 AM) are on the "Resources" page on our Coworks app.  It is also included in your Welcome Guide. 

Can I rent the Library or the Event Rooms at My Half Coffee Shop and The Kilns?

Yes, both locations are available to rent by filling out our online form here. See details below. For booking Think Space conference rooms, use our link here to book online.

Can you tell me more about the private offices?

  • Private offices are pre-furnished and include their own wifi, as well as the option to directly wire in.

  • Offices are currently available. You can view more information on our Private Offices page.

A smiling woman with short blonde hair, gold earrings, and a black beaded necklace, sitting on a brown leather couch in a cozy room. She is holding a white mug and wearing a cream-colored knit sweater and ripped black jeans, with a black pillow with white lettering in the background.

Renee Pollino, Founder

Renee loves empowering women to know their worth + value. Women are incredible leaders who often don’t realize their purpose and value due to systemic issues within the culture. It brings Renee so much joy and encouragement to provide women with work so that they find hope and healing to flourish through serving their families and the community.

Renee believes opportunity gives dignity, value, and hope to those overcoming hardship and trauma. Renee desires to trail blaze the concept that businesses and Capitalism can use the marketplace to build sustainable enterprises while doing good.

Renee lives in West Chicago with her husband, Darrin, where they raised their children since 2004. She is the proud mama of two adult children, DJ and Faith, and a grandma to Chloe Quinn. Renee loves to read and spend time outdoors biking, walking, and planting trees. She has spent the last 25 years traveling to the Middle East, Uganda, Rwanda, Ukraine, Russia, and Haiti to learn, grow, and experience God through culture and beauty. 

Renee Pollino is the CEO and founder of My Half of the Sky and My Half nonprofit kitchen. It is a social justice coffee shop and nonprofit kitchen that addresses social concerns and systemic injustice through creative business solutions that provide opportunity. Renee is passionate about connection the community by creating opportunities for people with obstacles to employment due to poverty, addictions, trafficking, or life as a refugee. Renee has worked for over 20 years with grassroots organization that empower men and women.

Renee is also a member of: Women’s Speakers Collective, Propel Women, and several Direct trade, Fair Trade & Ethical Fashion Movements.