Building better communities = everything
A bigger and brighter future is taking shape in the City of Mount Vernon with the Library Commons Project. This one-of-a-kind, multi-use facility combines three levels of public parking, a library that doubles the size of the current facility, community gathering spaces, and a commercial kitchen. The project is being built with several sustainable features including a 112kW PV solar array, on-site stormwater management, electric bicycle charging lockers, low-carbon concrete mixes, and low energy usage throughout the building. Its parking garage will comprise of 76 electric vehicle charging stations, becoming the largest publicly accessible charging station in the country. The Library Commons is designed to Passive House standards which incorporate elements like a super-insulated envelope, high-performance windows, and airtight construction, delivering a library that is projected to be 82% more efficient than the average existing library in Washington State.
During conceptual development and budgeting, the city hired OAC to document project objectives, identify project risks, provide an evaluation of delivery/procurement methods, and create three conceptual designs with cost estimates. OAC is continuing to provide comprehensive onsite project and construction management services, including documentation and reporting for multiple federal funding sources, through construction close-out and warranty review.