The Burien Library and City Hall acts as a catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Burien. The single building accommodates a new flagship regional library for the King County Library System and a new City Hall for the City of Burien. The establishment of this civic icon is the result of a unique partnership between KCLS and the City of Burien.

To optimize the site area and project budget, the new 58,000 square foot Library / City Hall is a three-story building adjacent to a new two-level parking structure. The parking structure is designed to accommodate a future performing arts center. The building is planned to work synergistically with the adjacent one acre park and residential development, to activate the surrounding pedestrian environment, and to take full advantage of views to Mount Rainier.

The overarching design principle is dignity with transparency – to create a sense of open government and open access to knowledge. The design seeks to create a sense of civic quality and monumentality with a spirit of intimacy unique to the Burien Community.

The building incorporates a number of sustainable strategies such as co-location of institutional functions, high efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, a reflective roof, utilization of finish materials with high recycle content, and low-emitting paints and carpets. The project is certified LEED Silver by the U.S. Green Building Council.

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