Thursday, January 19, 2023
Images highlight future of accessible, destination library for East County community and beyond
PORTLAND, Ore.––Multnomah County Library, Adjaye Associates and Holst Architecture are excited to share four never-before-seen renderings of the new East County Library. As an approximately 95,000-square-foot library, the new building will provide an exciting level of services and programming in a vibrant, diverse location that will be easily accessible for the 40% of Multnomah County residents who live east of I-205.
Adjaye Associates, design architect, and Holst Architecture, prime architect of record, bring their respective international expertise and hyperlocal approach to the early designs of the building, which are informed by the extensive community engagement and feedback from community members. In December 2022, project team members from Holst, Adjaye and Multnomah County Library joined together for a first look at the designs for the new East County Library (photos from the event courtesy of KLiK Concepts).
The building renderings are preliminary and not final as the project is in the schematic design phase when design options are still being explored.
These unique early renderings bring this project to life and showcase some of the possible features that this East County Library may hold.
View toward Mt. Hood at night:
With Mt. Hood in the background, this rendering features an aerial view of the new library. It also highlights the impressive auditorium which will host cultural celebrations, lectures, performances and family programs. This perspective also shows the incredible size of the library. At approximately 95,000 square feet, it will be the second largest library in the county (second only to Central Library in downtown Portland).
Entry Plaza at NW Division St & NW Ava Ln: With its proposed location right on the MAX Blue Line, with stops for bus lines 2, 21 and 82 close by, this rendering highlights how easy it will be for community members to access the library through public transportation, walking and driving. The library will provide an impressive and inviting view for commuters and those passing by, reminding them of the transformative space that’s available to them.
Entry from South Civic Hub: The new East County Library will host a communal outdoor area at the south civic hub for community members to relax and connect with one another.
Reading and Computer Areas: With its welcoming interior, this draft rendering of the Reading and Computer area features an open space full of natural light, seating, a feeling of community and ways to discover new library materials and technology.
“These early renderings give a glimpse at the incredible beauty and transformation that’s in store for community members at the new East County Library,” said Annie Lewis, Deputy Director of Multnomah County Library. “This library will offer new, innovative spaces for reading, technology, learning, collaboration and celebration-—and we are so excited to build this alongside the community every step of the way.”
Multnomah County and TriMet are still in a due diligence period regarding the library’s prospective purchase of the Gresham City Hall Park and Ride (1297 NW Eastman Pkwy, Gresham) as the site for the East County library. The library and TriMet are targeting spring 2023 to complete the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
The new East County Library is in schematic design (the first phase of design) through the end of February 2023. These renderings may be updated with community input during design development starting in March 2023 when building details and plans are further refined. Community members can stay up-to-date on the new library, including timeline, events and other ways to get involved, through the project webpage.