The Eagle Branch Library

The Eagle Branch Library is a newly built standalone library branch, replacing an older, much smaller facility that had served the community since 1970. The project delivers about 20,000 square feet of space on a roughly 3.7-acre site. Key features include spaces for children, teens, group study rooms, a large community meeting room (about 100 seats), a computer lab, and full accessibility under ADA standards. When commissioned, the branch was intended to meet ambitious sustainability goals under LEED version 4, aiming for Silver certification; during design and construction those goals were pushed further and ultimately exceeded.

Building Systems Experience

The building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire-suppression, and solar photovoltaic systems were designed and built with carefully selected sustainable technologies. A roof-mounted solar array supplies a substantial majority of the branch’s electricity needs. HVAC systems employ variable-air-volume (VAV) terminal units paired with direct expansion and hot water heating coils, coupled with high-efficiency condensing boilers. The lighting is LED throughout, both interior and exterior; large, full-height windows bring in natural daylight to reduce energy consumption and improve user experience. Low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water use significantly, and design and construction incorporated systems that balance comfort, energy efficiency, and operational cost control.

Impact & Benefits

Because of these efforts, the library achieved LEED v4 Gold certification, surpassing the original goal. The systems in place are expected to yield meaningful reductions in operating costs—both from reduced energy bills (thanks to efficient HVAC, lighting, and solar generation) and from water savings. For users, this translates into an upgraded, more comfortable, and accessible public space with modern amenities, natural light, and expanded capacity for programs. From a broader perspective, the project demonstrates how public buildings can deliver both community value and environmental performance, and serves as a replicable model of sustainable design under budget or site constraints.