Multnomah County to Build Cutting-Edge Library in East County

July, 2023

It’s official! Our partners at Multnomah County Library have broken ground on a state-of-the-art library in East County, promising a dynamic landmark that will transform the community’s access to learning, play, and connection. The groundbreaking ceremony for the impressive project took place on July 12, 2023, showcasing the library’s commitment to innovation and community engagement.

The future East County Library will span an impressive 95,000 square feet, making it comparable in size to Central Library in downtown Portland. The library’s strategic location will provide convenient accessibility for all residents of East County.

Otak’s PM/CM & owner’s representative team, led by Project Manager Mike Day, is proud to have a role in making this project a reality by providing owner’s representative and bond program management services in partnership with Multnomah County library.

The Road to the Perfect Site

The journey to find the ideal site for this ambitious project culminated with the purchase of the former Gresham City Hall Park and Ride (1297 NW Eastman Pkwy, Gresham) from TriMet. The collaborative agreement between Multnomah County Library and TriMet marks the end of years of extensive search efforts, ensuring the library’s placement meets the needs of the community while allowing for future transit-oriented development by TriMet. The City of Gresham will also play a role in shaping the vision for the surrounding civic space.

The groundbreaking ceremony featured Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, District 4 Commissioner Lori Stegmann, Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke, Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall, and other key members of the community. Programming also included a land blessing performed by the NARA (Native American Rehabilitation Assoc.) northwest chapter, a local non-profit group. The event celebrated the library’s role as a transformative space – bringing together the diverse population of East County.

Designed by the Community, for the Community

At the heart of the library’s design is community engagement, with insights and dreams from residents of East County driving the vision for the project. Through the Community Library Champions program, members of community organizations like El Programa Hispano Católico and Black Economic Collective worked directly with residents to gather their input and aspirations for the library.

Among the exciting features inspired by community input are:

• Large Auditorium: The library will house a spacious auditorium with flexible seating, catering to cultural celebrations, lectures, performances, and family programs. This multi-purpose space will be a true asset to East County, providing a venue for events that were previously unavailable in the area.
• A Makerspace: A dedicated area will be provided for classes and exploration of various disciplines, from robotics to construction to 3D printing, encouraging hands-on learning and creativity.
• Audio Visual Studio: The library will incorporate a top-of-the-line audio visual studio, offering users a professional-grade studio experience within the library’s premises.
• Teen Space: With technology, connection, and creativity in mind, the library will feature a sizable teen space, providing an inviting environment for young people to engage with the latest technologies.
• Diverse Collections: To reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the neighborhood, the library will curate diverse collections that cater to the interests and backgrounds of its patrons.
• Dedicated Family Space: The library will prioritize family-centric spaces, offering secure indoor and outdoor play and learning areas for children.
• Outdoor Community Space: With an outdoor amphitheater and plaza, the library will become a central gathering place for community members, hosting music, speakers, and other events.

More than a Library

The East County Library project will go beyond providing a physical space for books and information, aiming to enrich lives and foster community connections. The building will be designed with sustainability in mind, pursuing LEED Gold certification, and incorporating eco-friendly elements such as native plants, energy-efficient systems, and the use of recycled and locally sourced materials.

“This new library will be beautiful, accessible, and representative of the people of East County. A public library should reflect our highest ideals and aspirations, and we are making that a reality,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries.

The library construction process, scheduled to begin in August 2023, is estimated to cost approximately $147 million, with completion anticipated in fall 2025. As the plans for the East County Library take shape, anticipation and excitement are building within the community, marking the beginning of a new era in public libraries for Multnomah County.

For more information on the East County Library project and Multnomah County Library’s initiatives, visit their website at www.multcolib.org.