Brown County United Way – City East Center: A Community Hub Designed with Purpose
When the Brown County United Way set out to build the City East Center, they envisioned more than just a building, they imagined a safe, welcoming place where neighbors could connect, grow, and be empowered. The project began as a hypothetical vision, just a “mock” building and a hand sketch on grid paper, which was a response to a need expressed by the voices of the Joannes Park community. The goal was to create a neighborhood hub where individuals and families could find support, ultimately working to strengthen the community as a whole.
From the very beginning, the project was shaped by the community it serves. Through a series of local conversations and listening sessions, residents shared their hopes for a space that would promote equity, access, and belonging, especially for people experiencing poverty, people of color, and other marginalized populations. The result was a vision for a flexible, welcoming place where nonprofit programs, education, health services, and neighborhood gatherings could all come together under one roof.
What made the City East Center unique was that it began without a designated location, only a bold idea. CJ & Associates joined the project early, working alongside the Brown County United Way to thoughtfully shape an interior that would support the heart of the mission from the inside out.
After several months, a community partnership brought the vision to life by providing a physical space within the City East Apartments, but with it came an unexpected challenge: the footprint was smaller than originally anticipated. The design team needed to creatively reimagine the layout, carefully programming every square foot to meet the same goals as originally planned. Flexibility became essential, and the team at CJ & Associates did what they do best, crafting thoughtful, intentional spaces that make the most of what’s possible.
The CJ & Associates team selected products and furnishings that could adapt to changing needs and a wide range of events. Teknion Expansion Learning Tables and Kupp chairs, for example, provide easy stacking and nesting capabilities, while Teknion Expansion® Casegoods support mobile and multi-use workspaces. StudioTK Kes chairs and Sprout Stools offer a blend of standard dining, counter-height, bar stools, and lounge seating offer visitors choice and comfort, an important aspect of making the City East Center accessible to everyone.
In the community space, EF Contract Flooring and MDC Acoustical Ceiling Baffles work together to create an environment that supports both concentration and conversation. Noise control was especially important in a multi-use center like this, and the ceiling elements help manage sound while maintaining the overall design aesthetic.
Throughout the Center, artwork from Creative A adds layers of emotion and personality. Each piece was curated to align with the Brown County United Way’s brand and culture, helping to reinforce the mission of the space. Signage from Creative Sign ensures wayfinding is easy to understand, critical for a facility that serves so many visitors daily, while also complementing the design with a modern, cohesive look.
Though the materials and furnishings played a critical role, it’s the design philosophy behind them that truly brought the City East Center to life. CJ & Associates approached every decision through the lens of community impact, carefully shaping a space that could grow and evolve alongside those it serves. Whether it’s a parent attending a class, a neighbor seeking resources, or a child connecting with a mentor, the Center now stands as a catalyst for new opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds within the community.
The impact of this project has not gone unnoticed. The Brown County United Way City East Center and CJ & Associates was awarded the IIDA Wisconsin CiD (Celebrate in Design) Design Award, recognizing outstanding design in service of community goals. The project also received the 2024 Mayor’s Beautification Award, honoring its contribution to Green Bay’s urban fabric and spirit.
Today, the City East Center stands as a central community resource, featuring a large community room and café for local events, a training center for coaching and education, dedicated conference space for small meetings, private counseling rooms for individual support, a family center, and Brown County United Way’s new corporate office, designed to be fully accessible and connected to the neighbors they serve.
CJ & Associates was honored to help bring the vision of the Brown County United Way – City East Center to life, not just by furnishing a space, but by helping shape an environment that reflects the heart of Brown County United Way’s mission. We were grateful to be part of a project with such lasting impact, one that will continue to shape lives and strengthen the Green Bay community. This project is just one of many examples of the power of purposeful design and a reminder of why we do what we do at CJ & Associates.
