White Tank Library & Nature Center

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Maricopa County Library District built a new 29,000 square foot public library, which achieved LEED ® Platinum certification and is located at the entrance of the 30,000 acre White Tank Mountain Regional Park – 30 miles west of Phoenix. It is an environmental statement, complete with a Nature Center for the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department and an outdoor amphitheater. The project us a model of interagency cooperation, geared towards setting a high standard for energy-efficient design and construction in Maricopa County. The County made this project its “model” for green construction for future building projects. The building is surrounded by pristine Sonoran desert property and its exterior is patterned and colored to blend into the desert plant life. The most distinctive feature is the way the building is nestled into the site to take advantage of mountain and distant city views. Designed to serve both library and park visitors, it is intended to be a destination where people relax and spend more time.