Ground Broken on Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre by SOCA and FABG

Construction has commenced on the Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (CCAM) in the heart of Montreal, Canada. Spearheaded by the Toronto-based Black-led firm Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA) in collaboration with Montreal's FABG Architectes, this 45,000-square-foot facility will be situated in the historic 1922 Beaux-Arts building originally designed by Jean Omer Marchand and Ernest Cormier. Established in 2021 by Allen Alexandre, CCAM's mission is to celebrate Black Canadian history, art, and culture. The design integrates significant historical features while introducing a new performance hall for 220 guests, galleries, archives, and a distinctive drum-shaped pavilion. With nearly $14 million in funding from Canada's Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, the project aims for zero-carbon certification and will ultimately be Canada's largest center for Black cultural heritage.