Mid-Continent Public Library Grain Valley Branch

True Engineering Group LLC

Architect: Sapp Design Associates Architects Inc.
Engineers: Olsson Inc., civil and structural, and True Engineering Group, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
General contractor: J.E. Dunn Construction Co.
Cost: $6.5 million
Estimated completion: August
Description: Project officials drew heavily from rural barns in the area in the building design for a new library in Grain Valley, east of Kansas City. It has a pitched roof shape, mimicking the old wood of those structures. For its materials, designers chose a wood composite with a dull color and uneven pattern. The orientation of the library intends to create optimal views toward the site while also allowing natural daylight to flow into the interior and to allow for future expansion. The interior design features adult, children and teen book areas, open seating areas, small public meeting rooms, a community room and staff areas.