About the project

THE CENTER FOR BLACK EXCELLENCE & CULTURE

Evening view of The Center for Black Excellence | a history & cultural center by JLA Architects in Madison, WI

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The Center for Black Excellence & Culture

About the Project

The Center for Black Excellence & Culture is a transformational cultural education and economic center intended to realize Black excellence embedded in the Greater Madison community. The design of The Center revolves around the ‘Black Aesthetic’ incorporating elements of drama, ‘will to adorn’, asymmetry, among other qualities. The Center was designed to celebrate and encompass Black culture both through the architectural design and in its programming.

The programming includes innovation & leadership development spaces; history, culture, and gathering places, performance theatres & studios, as well as wellness spaces.

JLA has partnered with the organization & the greater community throughout the programming and workshop phases up through its current design development as the organization embarks on its capital funding campaign.

“We want people to walk in and feel like they’re at their grandmother’s house but the Smithsonian. That they’re at a great museum but that there can be film festivals there.”

— Founder Dr. Alexander Gee

LOCATION:

Madison, WI

PROGRAM:

A 30,000 s.f. cultural center, including:

A lower level with theater, a garden atrium, art production studio, and event space.

The main level will feature a multi-level atrium space, meeting rooms, recording studio, senior center, gift shop, and gallery.

The upper level will be comprised of offices for the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, conference rooms, kitchen, coworking space, women's center, as well as a private lounge and patio.

COMPLETION DATE:

In Progress

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