Lone Tree Branch Library

Over the course of several years, Anderson Mason Dale Architects designed three new libraries for the communities of Parker, Castle Pines, and Lone Tree in Douglas County. Each of these libraries reflect the values of the specific community while consistently communicating the library district’s unique mission to “elevate our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery, and connection.” The Lone Tree branch design exemplifies this spirit of openness and transparency while establishing a civic presence within its community.

The library forms a civic threshold within RidgeGate, a mixed-use, master-planned community. The plan is organized to celebrate the civic nature of the library within the framework of the long-term master plan. A continuous porch roof frames the entry sequence and defines an outdoor realm for gathering. The southern edge, housing the building’s lobby, conference area and a state-of-the-art flex/maker space embraces a casual, cafe-feel, with high volume ceilings, transparency, and interconnected indoor/outdoor spaces. Both the exterior landscape and building interior reflect an inviting, contextual design approach; native grasses help define and soften the building’s edges, while wood ceilings and warm accent walls provide patrons with comfortable, inviting spaces.

The new library embodies a contemporary design aesthetic that translates the progressive nature of Douglas County Libraries’ service to their communities; openness, transparency, connection, and interplay are at the core of the design. The program mix, moving well beyond collection materials to accommodate expanded services and amenities, illustrates the changing nature of the 21st century library; the Lone Tree Library creates an inviting place not only to read and browse collection materials, but also to work, meet, utilize technological resources, make, collaborate, and socialize, becoming a well-loved destination for the entire community.

In collaboration with studiotrope Design Collective