Southwest Neighborhood Library provides a beautiful, natural, and functional aesthetic space that elegantly addresses its unique site and connection to the adjacent park. Although challenged with delays, the SW Library core team and leadership remained
consistent and committed to delivering this important project for the community. Collaborative efforts began during the pursuit and proposal stage solidifying the team’s commitment to the design-build ethos. This 20,786 SF project is both the first ground-up mass timber building in DC as well as the first LEED Platinum Library within the DC Public Library system. This project also contains the world’s first self-supporting timber folded plate roof. The true success of this project could only happen with engagement and community buy-in, along with the talents of the highly experienced teams that worked in tandem to complete it. Despite the obstacles they faced, the design-build team says this project represented one of the most successful community engagements that they have ever encountered.
New Library Serves as A Beacon for the SW D.C. Community
This project was proposed to replace the 50+-year-old outdated library that no longer met the needs of this transformative DC community. The new library provides the community: state-of-the-art technology, a place for training, education, workforce development, resiliency, inspiration, vitality, a sense of place and community, and a respite and safe haven in times of need. The community came together to influence and participate in the design of the new library and its flexible and varied meeting facilities will enhance and foster social connections in the community for decades to come. The building’s low carbon footprint and reduced energy and water consumption inspires and educates the community about current sustainable building solutions and resiliency. The project’s DBE/MBE/WBE involvement and unique community impact included both job and education programs provided to DC residents plus many other valuable community engagements.
Design-Build Team
| Client/Owner: | DC Public Library (DCPL) |
| Design-Build Firm: | Turner Construction Company |
| Architect: | Perkins & Will |
| Engineer: | StructureCraft Builders USA |
| Specialty Contractors: | Custom Glass, Klover Contracting, Inc., Landscape Architecture Bureau, Sustainable Design Consulting, Wiles Mensch Corporation-DC |
| Construction Duration: | 14 Months |
| Project Cost: | $18,800,221.00 |
