City of Onalaska

Portfolio Categories: Civic and Government.

Project Overview

Onalaska, Wisconsin
The 15,600 sf community library was developed as a “pathway through the park,” near the high school. The narrow gently sloping site occupies part of a heavily wooded park-like setting. A path serpentines through the park and among the trees and serves as an organizing spine for both the building and parking lot. It is enhanced by a bordering colonnade. The interior spaces are organized around a central lobby and circulation desk for maximum supervision. Included are a children’s area, the adult collection, the Historical Society Museum and a meeting room for 55. The use of higher windows allows natural lighting and glimpses of adjacent towering treetops.