New Central Library – Austin, Texas

Project Description:

The new six-story, 198,000 sq. ft. Central Library houses the collections and programs that were located in the John Henry Faulk Central Library. The new library includes increased research and circulating collections augmenting branch collections. It is a state-of-the-art facility that will engage the entire community through technology, digital information, enriching programs, hands on experiences, and beautiful gathering spaces where people can come together and connect. Wonderfully unique features include a technology “petting zoo” where people can play with new devices, a 350-seat event center, children’s library with craft room and reading porch, art gallery, and a new dinning concept called The Cookbook where the counter-service cafe will take inspiration from the library’s cookbook collection. The Rooftop Garden is home to a Live Oak tree, habitat for butterflies and a solar panel installation that will power about a third of the building. A 250-space underground parking garage and an outdoor landscaped area are part of the project.

Services Provided:

Guerra Engineering provided complete mechanical and electrical engineering design and construction administration services

Awards / Recognition:

USGBC LEED Platinum Certification

2019 Third Place Winner AIA Film Challenge

2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award

2018 AIA Austin Sustainability Commendation Award

Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2018