Mendenhall Valley Library
Quietly powerful. Clearly connects design to its source of inspiration.
AIA Alaska
Mendenhall Valley Library
Juneau, Alaska
20,600 SF
In collaboration with NorthWind Architects
Client Notes
Provide a new and larger library to house an expanded collection, and better serve a growing community of children, teens, and adults. Design spaces for innovative library programming in a variety of settings.
Designer Notes
A prominent, welcoming building at the entrance to Dimond Park, the library anchors a community hub focused around arts, culture, and civic engagement. The design is rooted in its location and strongly Alaskan, with selectively captured mountain views and a secluded outdoor area in a grove of spruce trees providing a natural backdrop to the main public library space. A variety of spaces inside—from noisy and busy, to quiet and reflective—serve all with age-appropriate environments designed to attract, captivate, and inspire. The building is tailored to current library needs while remaining flexible for future changes.
Certifications
LEED Gold
Recognition
AIA Alaska Honor Award, 2016
AIA Alaska People's Choice, All Around Most Favorite Project, 2016
People
Steve Simpson / Kelsey McWilliams / Tracey Olson
William Dann, Principal
Laura Klinger, Project Manager
