A new kind of public building now stands in the heart of downtown Mount Vernon, WA – one designed to bring people together while also helping create a greener, more resilient future. The Mount Vernon Library Commons is a multi-functional hub that combines the services of a library, community center, commercial kitchen, structured parking garage, and electric charging station all under one roof.

What makes this project truly unique is how it was built. With a deep focus on sustainability, clean energy, and reducing pollution, the Library Commons is making a long-lasting impact on both its local community and the planet.

“Libraries are de facto community forums. The Commons represents a new center of community, family, and civic life for our community. We are attempting to put our best foot forward towards a better future.” — Isaac Huffman, Library Director, Mount Vernon City Library

Leading with Clean Energy

The City of Mount Vernon’s investment in renewable energy begins on the roof and south facade of the library. Installed across these surfaces is a 112kW solar panel system, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) array. These panels capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity that helps power the building.

The PV array is designed to generate enough power to provide approximately 20% of the building’s energy needs. In addition to powering the facility, the PV array also supports electric vehicle (EV) charging. With a parking garage comprising of 76 EV charging stations, the Library Commons features the largest publicly accessible charging station in the U.S.

Watch the video below for a closer look at the building’s PV array in action.

 Driving Carbon Reduction Forward

In many cases, the concrete used to construct a building emits carbon emissions, which will stay with the building for its lifetime. To address this, the City of Mount Vernon made intentional choices to significantly reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint.

HKP Architects, a local Mount Vernon-based firm and the project’s architect of record, collaborated with suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by up to 40%.

Watch the video below to learn more about these carbon reduction strategies.

“Mount Vernon has a rich agricultural heritage, and farmers know the importance of preserving the land so you can grow in the future. In much the same way, energy and carbon reduction represent an investment in the present day that allows us to grow easier in the future with lower costs, a better internal environment, and more uses for the structure of a lifetime.” — Isaac Huffman, Library Director, Mount Vernon City Library

Built to Passive House Standards

The Library Commons is also making history as the first publicly bid building in Washington State to be certified to Passive House standards. Passive House buildings reduce energy use by incorporating elements like a super-insulated envelope, high-performance windows, and airtight construction. This means the building is efficiently able to keep warm air in during cool months and cool air in during warm months, requiring less strain on HVAC systems, reducing emissions, and creating a more comfortable and consistent indoor environment. The building also benefits from improved acoustics and enhanced air quality, leading to an overall quieter, healthier space for readers, staff, and the entire community.

Creating Spaces That Matter

At OAC, we’re honored to have partnered with the City of Mount Vernon to guide this project from planning through construction, creating a space designed for connection, learning, and lasting environmental impact.

Special thanks to our project partners: HKP Architects, Lydig Construction, Drayton Archaeology, Materials Testing & Consulting, Inc., and Sazan Group.