Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Center at University Of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Level-1 delivered technology infrastructure for UIUC’s Bruce D. Nesbitt Center, supporting cultural programming, safety, and student connection in a purpose-built hub.

In 2019, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign opened the doors to a new, purpose-built home for the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center (BNAACC). Founded in 1969 in response to demands for equity and representation, the Center has long been a vital force in affirming Black student life and advancing cultural understanding on campus. The new facility is not only a functional space but a physical embodiment of a half-century of student advocacy, community resilience, and educational leadership. 

Conceived in partnership with Interactive Design Architects and the University’s Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations, the new BNAACC was intentionally designed to uplift Black culture and student voice. A two-story structure with generous glazing, a sheltered front porch, and curated gathering zones, the building facilitates storytelling, wellness, performance, and dialogue. Every architectural move, from the brick patterns to the interior murals, was developed to communicate cultural history and pride. 

Level-1 Global Solutions was entrusted with designing and implementing the low-voltage technology infrastructure to support the Center’s diverse programming needs. Working closely with the design and construction team, we ensured that the technology systems integrated discreetly with the expressive architecture and met the functional demands of a 21st-century cultural hub. 

What We Delivered 

• Design and installation of structured cabling systems for voice, data, and video across public, private, and administrative spaces 
• Security infrastructure including surveillance cameras and server integration to support campus safety protocols 
• Life safety system cabling coordinated with electrical and fire protection consultants 
• Flexible telecommunications rooms and cable pathways designed for scalability and evolving programmatic use 
• Coordination with university IT and general contractors to ensure smooth infrastructure handoff and system activation 
• Technology backbone supporting livestreaming, archival recording, and media-rich cultural programming 

The result is a building that amplifies culture through design and connectivity. Level-1 is proud to have contributed to a project that honors legacy while embracing the future, helping the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center continue its role as a sanctuary, stage, and sounding board for generations of students to come.