Photo by Lawrence Anderson Photography

The steel-framed library features community space, reading rooms and an outdoor amphitheater.

The Mead Valley Library became an asset to the fast-growing city of Perris despite threats to the project's funding. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) eliminated the redevelopment agency that was involved with the project, thereby creating an earlier-than-expected deadline to obtain funding. The team scrambled to achieve design consensus among all parties and accelerated the bidding process. Designed to feel like a large house, the 20,000-sq-ft, steel-framed library features community space, reading rooms and an outdoor amphitheater. Citizens of Perris embraced the library, with about 2,300 attending the grand opening.

Key Players

Contractor Stronghold Engineering, Riverside

Owner Riverside County Economic Development Agency, Riverside

Lead Design DLR Group, Riverside

Structural/MEP Engineer TMAD Taylor & Gaines, Ontario

Civil Engineer Rick Engineering, Riverside

Landscape Architect RHA Landscape Architects-Planners, Riverside

Subcontractors: A&S Cement Contractors, Stanton; Pierce Construction, San Bernardino; Campbell Certified Inc., Oceanside; Upland Contracting, Ontario; HC Integrated Systems, Ontario; Kincaid Industries, Thousand Palms; Modern-Air, Corona; J Ginger Masonry, Riverside