One of seven branches in the Douglas County Libraries (Colorado) system, the new Castle Rock branch seeks to complement other locations while imbuing a design and presence unique to its community. Not only will this facility replace the existing Castle Rock Library, a renovated former big box store, it will too serve as the administrative headquarters for the entire Douglas County Library system.

Located within the Downtown Overlay District of Castle Rock, the library seeks to urbanize the street frontage, provide pedestrian connectivity, and leverage transparency to reveal program spaces within. The form of the building is derived from site circulation patterns, urban relationships, and the need to ensure the existing facility remains operational during construction. Overhangs and plaza environments welcome the community and create versatile outdoor program spaces.

The exterior is contextually appropriate to Castle Rock and presents a streamlined and modernized interpretation of Douglas County Libraries ’s standard finishes and materials, including brick and wood soffits. Warm corrugated and flat weathered steel cladding, used in other adjacent civic buildings, recall the Colorado landscape and Western vernacular. The weathered steel shell of the building is contrasted by a cool, fresh, and bright interior that speaks to modern library programming and shoulder-to-shoulder service.

Unlike the existing facility, this library will offer drive-up returns, two large outdoor plaza areas, and an expanded local history area.