Wichita, KS

H3 worked with the City of Wichita to develop plans for a new Central Library that will serve as the primary facility and administrative headquarters for the Wichita Public Library system.

By relocating the Central Library from the Downtown area to the Delano district of Wichita, the new Library will be a great twenty-first century public building that serves the needs of the wider Wichita community. The new location will serve as a gateway and anchoring destination for the city and will also be a catalyst for development across the river from downtown.

The new building’s form engages the natural physical conditions of the river and programmatically reflects the connection between historic residential neighborhood and downtown business district.

The design incorporates the latest technology and provides for future expansion strategies to enhance public learning and enjoyment potential of the facility well into the future.

CLIENT: City of Wichita, KS
COMPLETION: 2018
SIZE: 90,000 square feet
COST: $37 million