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The city of Cornelius wants a new public library to be more than just a library, and a master plan created by reflects that desire.

The library will be centered around a large 鈥渓iving room鈥� space that can be used for children鈥檚 story time and library events, and be closed off for after-hours programs. The library will have Internet access and accommodate continuing education classes 鈥� a priority in the poor, rural community, Scott | Edwards architect Joan Jasper said.

Spaces will be open and flexible to accommodate anticipated changing needs, Jasper said. That flexibility will let the building be adapted rather than replaced, which is a sustainable strategy, she said.

The library will be at the eastern entrance to the main street district, and Scott | Edwards developed a profile for the building that officials hope will 鈥渃reate an identity鈥� for the city.

The new library will have an outdoor plaza with a clock tower. The plaza also may include a caf茅 run by local nonprofits, Jasper said.

鈥淚t really wants to be their first true civic building and a gateway to Cornelius,鈥� she said.

The master plan design created by Scott | Edwards will be used in an upcoming capital campaign. Depending on available money and possible interest of private developers, the building could just be a one-story, 16,800-square-foot library, or it could be a two- to three-story multiuse building with office space, housing or an outreach campus for Portland Community College.

Jasper said that one challenge in designing for Cornelius鈥� downtown is working within the city鈥檚 parameters.

鈥淚t wants to have 1920s small-town architecture,鈥� she said.

That means buildings oriented to pedestrian scale, in 20- to 30-foot sections. Ideally, the street will have a number of awnings and regular retail bays.

鈥淭he (concept) design is specific to the design needs, but general enough to adapt depending on which way they go,鈥� either with a multiuse or single-story building, Jasper said.

Scott | Edwards Architecture worked with library consultant Humphries Poli Architects on the library鈥檚 master plan.

鈥淥n the Boards鈥� is a weekly feature that spotlights local firms鈥� best design work. Submissions from architectural and engineering firms are encouraged. Please email [email protected] or call 503-802-7240.