About the project
THE CENTER FOR BLACK EXCELLENCE & CULTURE
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Center for Black Excellence will make space for Madison’s Black community | Channel 3000 News
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, Wis.
PROGRAM:
A 56,000 s.f. cultural center, including:
A lower level with a 3,500 s.f. multipurpose theater, a garden atrium, fitness room, art production studio, recording studio, set design studio, and 220 car parking garage.
The main level will feature a multi-level atrium space, an art gallery, reading area, lounge, kitchen (with a demostration area), senior community room, multi-media room, gift shop, childcare & youth rooms.
The upper level will be comprised of offices for the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, conference rooms, a large coworking space, as well as a private lounge.
COMPLETION DATE:
In Progress
