On July 28, 2017, the Lions Park project broke ground in the city of Costa Mesa, Calif. The redevelopment, which was designed by Culver City-based Johnson Favaro, will include the creation of a new, two-story 22,500-sf library, the renovation and repurposing of the existing, old library, and the redevelopment of about 2.8 acres of parkland.
The new Donald Dungan Library will incorporate an architectural style that resembles what was popular when Costa Mesa was first incorporated in the mid-20th century. Features that recall early California architecture, such as the original adobe structures and the Junipero Serra missions, will also be included.
The library will comprise two community meeting rooms, a makerspace for children and young adults, a 3,500-sf children’s library, a friends-of-the-library bookstore, and an adult reading room and collections area with views of the redeveloped park.
The old library will be repurposed as a new community center with an events venue that can accommodate 300 people. The old community center will be demolished to create an acre of reclaimed park space. The parkland will include a large unobstructed lawn, new recreation spaces, gardens, and a new park concessions kiosk.
Related Stories
Libraries | Oct 2, 2019
Temple University’s Charles Library includes a ‘BookBot’ storage and retrieval system
The project was designed by Stantec and Snøhetta.
Libraries | Sep 26, 2019
Hunters Point Library brings rooftop reading garden, community-devoted space to the Long Island City waterfront
Steven Holl Architects designed the building.
Libraries | Sep 18, 2019
The $115 million renovation of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library completes
Beyer Blinder Belle led the project.
Libraries | Apr 4, 2019
AIA awards six projects with the 2019 AIA/ALA Library Building Award
The AIA/ALA Library Building Award is the only award that recognizes entire library structures and all aspects of their design.
Mixed-Use | Feb 19, 2019
Sunset Library in Brooklyn will be capped with 50 affordable residences
Magnusson Architecture and Planning is designing the facility.
Libraries | Feb 10, 2019
New library branch in San Diego opens with its community’s learning and working traits in mind
It features larger gathering spaces and more technology than its predecessor.
Libraries | Jan 18, 2019
Chicago’s newest library branch preserves the old and ushers in the new
Its exterior design reflects the neighborhood’s industrial history, while its interior fosters community and shared learning.
Libraries | Oct 16, 2018
Earthquake-resistant library rises in Christchurch, New Zealand
Less than a decade ago, the city was devastated by four major earthquakes.
Libraries | Jun 1, 2018
New library offers a one-stop shop for what society is craving: hands-on learning
Beyond lending books and DVDs, the Elkridge (Md.) branch library loans household tools like ladders, wheelbarrows, and sewing machines.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
