Park Grove Library, located at 7900 Hemingway Avenue South in Cottage Grove, needs significant repair or renovation to operate effectively and continue meeting the needs of the surrounding community.
Access to the library, including visibility and parking, is challenging for users because the building is tucked into a neighborhood behind several multi-story apartment buildings. Due to its proximity to residential housing and schools, pedestrian accessibility is an important aspect of the project.
Washington County and Alliiance architects will study the existing facility and site to determine the appropriate size and layout of the library and how to best use the current building and site. The existing library is about 20,000 square feet on a 2.5-acre building site.
Throughout the project, project partners will gather community feedback to understand community needs and how to incorporate those needs into the project design.
Project Goals and Design Considerations
Park Grove Library's redesign will reflect priorities outlined in Washington County's Strategic Plan and Washington County Library's Strategic Plan. Project goals include:
- Responsive Design: Provide a library that reflects the surrounding community's needs, including accessibility improvements for community members who live and attend school nearby.
- Welcoming Spaces: Create flexible and inclusive spaces for library services, events, and technology.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Provide Washington County with the highest value for its budget and maintain fiscal responsibility within its long-range financial plan.
- Sustainability: Design a facility emphasizing energy efficiency, sustainability, and well-being.
- Employee Support: Provide workspaces and technology that support employee engagement, safety, and well-being.
