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In the small town of Cornelius, between Hillsboro and Forest Grove, a unique, $19 million mixed-use project is nearing completion.

The top two stories of the three-story Cornelius Place will hold affordable housing units for seniors. But unlike most mixed-use buildings, there will be no commercial or retail space; the first floor will hold the new Cornelius Public Library.

鈥淚t’s exciting,鈥� said Karen Hill, the library’s executive director since 2006. 鈥淎nd the biggest deal is that we can have more books, obviously. But we’ll have this big community room that we can split into two. We’ll also have five study rooms and all of these spaces are going to be packed.鈥�

The library will have sufficient space for 40,000 books, movies and music. Also, at least 30 computers and laptops will be available. In addition to the 100-seat community room, there will be a space dedicated to youths and a coffee bar operated by a local microenterprise.

Cornelius Place is rising on the corner of Adair Street and 14th Avenue, across from Cornelius Elementary School. The prominent building in the small downtown area will provide a central gathering point.

鈥淲e have no competition in town,鈥� Hill said with a laugh. 鈥淲e think we’re going to double everything on day one.鈥�

The development team includes partners , and the YMCA. Scott | Edwards Architecture designed the building, and Walsh Construction is serving as the general contractor.

The building has a U-shape with a courtyard in the middle, far from either street.

Plans call for 45 housing units 鈥� 44 for tenants age 55 or older and making between 50 and 60 percent of regional median income, and one for the apartment manager. Two of the apartments will have two bedrooms, six will be studios and the rest will have one bedroom, according to BRIDGE Housing project manager Destin Ferdun.

These days, crews are installing exterior siding, drywall, fire suppression and HVAC items and other interior elements.

鈥淲e’re supposed to be complete by mid-February of next year,鈥� Ferdun said. 鈥淲ith the residential, we have a community room there for the residents. There’s a residents’ services office run by Centro Cultural, a local nonprofit, and we have leasing offices and bulk storage for the residents as well.鈥�

Subcontractors currently working on-site include: Platinum Exteriors; Anning Johnson, which is installing drywall; Sterling Floors; RDF Builders, which is performing finishing carpentry and earthwork; Hildebrand Concrete of Washougal, Washington, which is carrying out site concrete; Boring-based United Brothers Company, which is installing cabinetry; Merritt Electric; Peninsula Plumbing; Jet Heating; and Crown Fire Systems.