Opelika Public Library

The City of Opelika commissioned a contemporary public library facility and gathering place for city events, intended as a destination not only for local citizens, but the region as well. City officers and staff expressed a desire for the library to have multifunctional spaces that would serve to host community events. The 25,000 square foot single level structure contains a 250-seat auditorium, multipurpose rooms (one serving as a storm shelter), offices, storage, computer labs, main book stacks with glass separated, yet adjacent children’s and teen areas, a “maker space”, and regional genealogy collection with an independent mechanical system to maintain specific humidity and temperature requirements. The design allows ample sight lines to surrounding spaces from the main circulation desk integrating interior storefront glazing, allowing each space to feel visually connected to one another. Exterior glazing allows for views from inside, and conversely, engage the interior from exterior spaces in the evening. The open and inviting structure holds expanses of glass for light and views, not only from within, but highlighting the building as a glowing landmark and beacon of knowledge - night or day.

Location

Opelika, AL

Year

2021

Size / area

25,000 SF

Related Projects

Show All Projects

Helena City Hall

The new Helena City Hall project consists of a new $15 million, 3-story, approximately 38,000 SF +/- municipal building for the City of Helena, AL. Located at the intersection of Hwy 52 W and Hillsboro Parkway in Shelby County, the building is a successor to the 30-year-old Helena Municipal Building and is the centerpiece of a new mixed-used, public/private collaboration - known as the Hillsboro Town Center - between the City of Helena and U.S. Steel Real Estate. The town center was developed as part of the "Helena Forward" initiative, which also includes the Helena Sports & Leisure Complex. U.S. Steel donated the land for the project - which was once a former mining operation - and coordinated the site’s infrastructure work. The new City Hall was designed in a Neo-Classical style with a projecting gabled portico supported by monumental columns. The building includes an open atrium Entry Lobby with a grand circular stair at the center. Ground floor space is provided for administrative offices, files, and conference rooms, as well as a 3,600 square-foot senior center. The 2nd floor houses the City Council Chamber, Mayor's office and other municipal departments. A 10,000 SF 3rd floor is being constructed and left unfinished for the City’s future expansion needs.

Jefferson County Metro Area Crime Center

The Jefferson County Metro Area Crime Center is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and is owned by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The facility, a renovation and addition project, spans 4,600 square feet. Key areas within the center include a Command Center, Video Center, Data Room, Offices, a Workroom, and dedicated Storage and Maintenance Areas.

City of Troy Recreation Center

The City of Troy Recreation Center is a 50,000-square-foot community recreation facility owned and operated by the City of Troy Parks & Recreation Department. Designed as a central hub for wellness, sports, and community activities, the center delivers a broad range of indoor recreational amenities and programming. The facility includes full-sized gymnasiums adaptable for basketball, volleyball, and multipurpose events; racquetball and gymnastics areas; and a comprehensive indoor aquatic center with zero-depth entry pool access and adjacent outdoor pool. Ancillary features include locker rooms, administrative support spaces, a teen center, multipurpose rooms, and a mezzanine walking track that promotes year-round health and fitness. Since its completion in December 2005, the Recreation Center has served as a key destination for organized sports, fitness classes, family activities, and community events—enhancing recreational opportunities and quality of life for Troy residents and regional visitors alike.

Boaz Recreation Center

The Boaz Recreation Center is an approximately 47,000-square-foot multi-use civic facility designed to serve residents of all ages as a comprehensive wellness and community hub. The program includes two competition pools, an indoor 8-lane natatorium, and a resort-style leisure pool with slide and water features, supporting year-round aquatic programming and recreational use. Additional amenities include an upper-level walking track, gymnasium and fitness areas, four meeting rooms, locker rooms, and dedicated Park & Recreation administrative offices. Designed to promote health, recreation, and community engagement, the facility provides flexible spaces for organized sports, aquatic events, fitness programs, and civic gatherings while enhancing the City of Boaz’s recreational infrastructure.

City of Oxford - East Metro Area Crime Center

The East Alabama Metro Area Crime Center or EMACC, is a 12,500 square foot facility constructed behind City Hall in Oxford, AL. The facility is designed to be a hub for local municipalities to gather and share information about crime related incidents in and around the Oxford area. The EMACC is equipped with the latest technology to observe and maintain remote cameras set up within the City of Oxford and surrounding areas. The building contains a centralized "Command Center" Chief's office and conference room, as well as IT and Fire Department offices.