Spring 2023 Architects & Engineers Project Report: Mid-Continent Public Library, East Independence Branch

Sapp Design Associates Architects PC

Sapp Design Associates Architects PC designed the $6.5 million Independence library with a concept focused on a lantern, playing with glazing and light between the interior and exterior, officials say. The entryway features a two-story glass facade, and the north wall is designed with a louver system that balances light with shadow for added depth, wrapping around the entry to form a canopy. Officials say high-efficiency glass assists in book preservation and heat regulation. The warm wood tones used reference the trees and forest on one end of the property, while the building’s height functions as a roof screen for mechanical equipment. The northeast entrance is connected to a central spine adjusted diagonally within the building, leading patrons to the center of the building and allowing a view to a west-facing glass facade showcasing the woodland. Helix Architecture & Design Inc. (Kansas City) is the project’s interior designer, and J.E. Dunn Construction Group Inc. is the general contractor. Olsson Inc. is the civil and structural engineer, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is by True Engineering Group LLC. The project is expected to wrap up in March 2024.