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.

campus shoreline

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.

The Pyle Center

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, a new 4,500 square foot rooftop terrace opened on the north tower of The Pyle Center in the summer of 2008. The rooftop terrace provides an ideal setting for casual interchanges and additional flexibility for program functions. It has 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.

The Lowell Center

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. Additonal improvements are expected in the future.

Environmental Initiatives at ECC   

 

In early 2007, a committee was formed to explore the feasibility of UW-Extension Conference Centers (ECC) becoming certified members of Travel Green Wisconsin, a voluntary program that reviews, certifies, and recognizes tourism businesses that have made a commitment to continuously improve their operations in order to reduce their environmental impact.

 

Travel Green Wisconsin was formed by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism in collaboration of the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative. It was designed to encourage hospitality-related businesses to “do well by doing good” by brining awareness and marketing advantage to businesses committed to making measurable environmental improvements in their operations by implementing eco-friendly practices in the following areas:

  • Communication and Education (customers, employees, public)

  • Waste reduction, reuse and recycling

  • Energy efficiency, conservation, and management

  • Water conservation and wastewater management

  • Air quality

  • Wildlife and Landscape conservation and management

  • Transportation

  • Purchasing

  • Local community benefits

A committee of staff members representing all areas of operations at ECC reviewed the Travel Green Wisconsin certification process and conducted an internal audit of ECC’s operations evaluating how well ECC met the certification criteria. After conducting this exercise, the committee felt confident that ECC could meet the requirements necessary, and subsequently, submitted an application for certification on December 6, 2007, and was subsequently approved on December 19, 2007.

 

Certification by Travel Green is only one step of many we plan to take in an effort to reduce any harmful environmental impact made by ECC. As we move into the future, additional efforts will be made to continually improve our facilities and services in ways that will:

  • Provide healthy, comfortable facilities

  • Reduce waste sent to landfills

  • Conserve energy and water

  • Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and release of toxic substances

  • Lower operating costs and increase asset value

  • Demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility

A copy of our Travel Green Wisconsin application and certificate, back-up documents and detailed explanation of policies and procedures are available for viewing at the Front Desk of The Pyle Center, located at 720 Langdon Street, Madison, WI  53706. Additional details about the program may be found at www.travelgreewisconsin.com/about/index.htm. For more information, please contact Lyn Fleming, assistant manager of The Lowell Center at (608) 263-4799. Additional recommendations from those who use the ECC facilities and services are most welcome.