Riverside Library

MCPL Riverside Branch sought to become more than just the building itself. The experience begins immediately as library users approach the site, entering into an extension of the existing park. The site immediate to the front of the building is populated with trees as to create a sense of a library in the park. In addition to tree coverage, pedestrians are further accommodated with a continuous trellis that wraps the front of the building, creating a sense of overhead enclosure as people approach the entrance or sit outside.

The large, open north wall of the building brings in ample daylight into the library and provides excellent views toward the park. Interior elements, such as the flowing ceiling baffles, mimic the pattern of the louvres of the trellis seen through the north glass wall. Public spaces include open stack space, a children collection, study spaces, two collaboration rooms, a community room, and an outdoor back patio.

Sapp Design Architects are the project architects, Helix Architecture & Design Inc. (Kansas City) are the Interior Designers, JE Dunn Construction Group Inc. is the general contractor, and Olsson Inc. is the civil and structural engineer. The mechanical, electrical and plumbing is being done by True Engineering.  The project is expected to wrap up in late Spring of 2024.12,500 sf