Our History
It's been more than 50 years since the Wisconsin Center for Adult Education, now The Pyle Center, first opened its doors on the UW-Madison campus. Dedicated April 11, 1958, the Center was the result of the UW Foundation's first capital campaign to provide a "roof for the Wisconsin Idea," — extending the boundaries of the University to the boundaries of the state. Today, those boundaries extend globally. UW-Extension Conference Centers (ECC) now includes two facilities and hosts tens of thousands of visitors annually from around the world.
Over the years, ECC has built an exceptional reputation as a leader in the continuing education and hospitality industries, assisting adult learners to expand their knowledge, skill and ultimate performance in the workplace and beyond. Serving the entire UW System, State of Wisconsin agencies, and other governmental and educational organizations, ECC provides a full range of quality meeting spaces, catering, lodging, conference planning, registration services and more. Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) provides distance education technologies. Together, we've worked hard to mindfully upgrade facilities and services to correspond with new technologies, changing demographics, and the evolving needs of an increased number of sophisticated and discerning customers.
Built to grow, The Wisconsin Center has since been updated and expanded to accommodate advanced distance education technologies that connect people in the room; across campus; and around the world. In 1998, the building was completely renovated and a large addition was constructed. Generous donations from Tom and Judy Pyle and others supported the project, and the entire facility was rededicated as The Pyle Center.
In addition to The Pyle Center, ECC operates The Lowell Center, which is ideally located less than a block from The Pyle Center. Assigned to ECC in 1970, this multi-use facility includes 81 guest rooms, seven conference rooms, two elegant reception spaces, a large dining facility, and a swimming pool, sauna and exercise room. The Friedrick Center, a third center located on the west end of the UW-Campus provided additional meeting space and lodging from 1970 to June 2008 when it was converted into student housing.
Our Future
Industry trends show that meeting organizers are looking for new ways to make their events memorable, relaxing, and productive. Modern conference facilities must be environmentally friendly and offer a full range of unique, high-quality amenities, be equipped with the latest technology, and provide the highest level of customer service.
Fortunately, the UW-Extension Conference Centers has been able to stay ahead of the curve, mindfully upgrading its facilities and services to correspond with new technologies, changing demographics, and the needs of an increased number of sophisticated and discerning customers. We've built a solid foundation upon which we can continue to grow, and today we are poised to launch several new initiatives that will further enhance the way we serve our customers.
Major improvement projects at both the Pyle Center and The Lowell Center will make UW-Extension Conference Centers even more inviting to our customers. Because the two facilities are located in such close proximity, the combined space and complementary services offered at the two sites are ideal for meetings, conferences, and events of every sort and size.
In addition to new technological improvements currently underway, a new 4,500 square foot rooftop terrace is being constructed on the north tower of The Pyle Center. The rooftop terrace will provide an ideal setting for casual interchanges and additional flexibility for program functions. It will have access to food and beverage services. It includes an outdoor garden area with tables and seating areas in a relaxed environment with panoramic views overlooking beautiful Lake Mendota.
In 2007, major improvements were made to The Lowell Center and more are planned for the near future. Most recently, both of the Lowell Center's two main entrances were totally revamped to improve accessibility—including the addition of new drive-up lane and elevator. The first floor lounge, front desk lobby, administrative offices, and lower-lounge classroom and adjacent corridors were completely remodeled to make the spaces more comfortable and inviting. Free wireless access to the Internet is now available throughout the building. Several guestrooms were also remodeled, and the parking capacity in our ramp was increased significantly to accommodate the needs of more guests.
The next phase of improvements for The Lowell Center includes the construction of fifty-two (52) more guest rooms and the renovation of common corridors on several floors.
Due to an increasing need for student housing on the UW-Madison campus, the UW Master Plan calls for The Friedrick Center to close on June 23, 2008 when work will begin to transform the building into an undergraduate residence hall. While we will miss having access to this facility as a conference center, we are very excited by new opportunities at The Pyle Center and The Lowell Center.