the center for
black excellence & culture

The Center for Black Excellence & Culture is designed to be more than a building. It’s a first-of-its-kind space created to “bring Black culture, creativity, leadership, research, and innovation under one roof, creating a movement that transforms the future of the Black community in Madison, Wisconsin and beyond.”  

Westphal & Company delivered the project through a design-build approach, completing electrical systems across the three-story facility. 

Project highlights include: 

• Electrical distribution, branch circuitry, theatrical lighting, AV infrastructure, fire alarm systems, and lighting controls
• Over 800 light fixtures installed, including more than 100 unique fixture types
• 1,600-amp, 208-volt, 3-phase electrical service
• 10 electrical panels throughout the building
• Highly coordinated installations across recording studios, classrooms, conference rooms, gallery spaces, makerspaces, executive offices, and event venues
• Large multipurpose event space designed to support lectures, concerts, performances, and community events

One of the most technically demanding portions of the project involved coordinating complex lighting installations across multiple ceiling systems while maintaining schedule and design intent.  

Through BIM coordination, strong field leadership, and close collaboration between trades, the team successfully adapted to ongoing design changes throughout construction.  

Proud to help bring this project to the Madison community.