On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, Karen Menendez Coller, Executive Director of Centro Hispano, was joined by Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, Ben Austin, Sustainability Lead at Findorff construction and members of the community to celebrate a significant milestone in the center’s campaign to raise funds for a new facility in the Southside of Madison.

“I want to compliment Karen and everyone at Centro for focusing on sustainability,” said County Executive Parisi, highlighting the impact the changing global climate is having in communities in Central America and the plans for the new building to address environmental concerns.

To that end, the new home for Centro Hispano is envisioned as “a space that sustains the community not only physically, but emotionally,” said Menendez Coller. “This building will literally be a flagship for the Latinx community as they come to Madison and Dane County to say that we belong and we’re going to craft a future that really strengthens us as a community.”

Architectural rendering of Centro Hispano’s new building, slated to be completed by 2024.

Some of the sustainability features of the new building include renewable energy, energy efficiency, water efficiency and reuse, occupational health and wellness, as well as spaces that encourage community building.

The $6.85 million announced on May 23, 2023 was brought together by a $2 million allocation through Dane County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds and a $4.85 million contribution from the State of Wisconsin’s Neighborhood Investment Fund.

For more information on the concept for the new Centro Hispano Calli facility and to get involved, visit its website.

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