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Nearly three years after voters approved a bond measure, ground was broken last week on the new $147 million East County Library in Gresham.

The two-story, 95,000-square-foot facility will be located at 1297 N.W. Eastman Parkway.

In late June, Multnomah County Library finalized its purchase of most of the 3-acre former Gresham City Hall Park and Ride lot from TriMet for $1.98 million. TriMet is keeping approximately 25,000 square feet for future transit-oriented development. Another portion of the site, the approximately 18,000-square-foot South Civic Hub strip parallel to the MAX light-rail station, will become civic space (possibly a farmers market, food truck pod, or another use) via a partnership between TriMet, the city of Gresham, and Multnomah County Library.

The new library will occupy approximately 85,526 square feet of the property. Holst Architecture led the design, and Adjaye Associates of London/New York contributed to the project through the design development phase. Fortis Construction is the general contractor.

Construction will begin in August. It鈥檚 scheduled to finish in fall or winter 2025.

Community engagement is at the center of this project as well as the other bond-funded library projects to make sure they reflect the people they will serve, Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke said. Community library champions 鈥� the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) of the Northwest, Black Economic Collective and El Programa Hispano 鈥� were paid to provide input. Engagement will continue with input on public art and other elements as the project progresses.

鈥淯sing a low-carbon timber structure, highly efficient mechanical systems, and lush landscaping surrounding the site, we are focused on creating a beautiful space of public connection where all people can come together and have equitable access to information, to activities, to technology, to nature, and to each other,鈥� Holst Architecture principal/owner Dave Otte stated. 鈥淲e hope this new piece of civic infrastructure and public investment becomes a beloved place where everyone is welcome.鈥�

The design aesthetic is intended to represent timberland and forestland, Oehlke said. The building will feature numerous wood elements such as tall wood beams.

Part of the design was creating space that is intended for the human experience, rather than the book experience, Oehlke said. Rooms will have multiple uses depending on community needs. There will be some dedicated spaces such as teen space, secure family space with indoor and outdoor children鈥檚 play and learning areas, and a makerspace for 3D printing, robotics and laser cutting. Two rooms will accommodate visitors with sensory challenges. A large auditorium will seat 200-250 people. Outdoor space will include an amphitheater and a plaza.

鈥淲hat we鈥檙e really trying to leverage with this building is the fact that it鈥檚 funded by the community, which means it鈥檚 accessible to the whole community,鈥� Oehlke said.

The project team will seek a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold rating. Plans call for incorporating native plants, energy efficient mechanical systems, and a rooftop solar array. Also, use of recycled and local materials will be given priority in construction.

New art at the East County Library will represent the community. Multnomah County Library is working with the Regional Arts & Culture Council to identify potential artists to produce art inside the building and possibly outside of it as well.

In November 2020, voters approved a $387 million bond measure that is providing money for multiple Multnomah County Library projects. They include three new buildings 鈥� the East County Library and replacements for Holgate and Northwest.

Also, five libraries are being renovated and expanded. They include Midland, Albina, North Portland, Belmont, and St. Johns. And refreshments are in the works for the Central Library and 10 others 鈥� Capitol Hill, Gregory Heights, Fairview-Columbia, Hillsdale, Hollywood, Kenton, Rockwood, Sellwood-Moreland, Troutdale, and Woodstock.