Mount Vernon Library Commons Earns High Honor at PhiusCon 2025

HKP Architects is thrilled to announce that the Mount Vernon Library Commons (MVLC) located in historic downtown Mount Vernon, WA has received the Award for Public Space Excellence at this year's PhiusCon conference, recognizing outstanding achievement in high-performance and sustainable building design. PhiusCon, an annual gathering of passive building professionals, honored the MVLC project for its exemplary contribution to public space, community engagement, and environmental performance.

With sustainability as a core driver throughout the design process, the Mount Vernon Library Commons stands as a forward-looking civic hub combining public library services, a community center, a commercial kitchen, and three levels of structured parking and EV charging facility. The project was designed to Phius passive building standards, reducing energy usage by up to 80%, achieving a 40% reduction in global warming potential with the unique concrete mix, and incorporating a 129.5 kW solar array along with one of the largest public EV charging stations in the U.S.

The Award for Public Space Excellence from PhiusCon highlights the MVLC's success not only as a high-performance building, but also as a place that genuinely serves its community, offering spaces for early learning, digital literacy, and a welcoming anchor for civic life. More information at gb&d.

HKP Architects has been providing architectural services to the Pacific Northwest since 1952. The firm focuses on civic buildings and spaces, educational facility planning and design, non-profit and community-oriented projects, and private homes. All of their projects emphasize long-term value for clients through efficient use of space, appropriate use of materials, sustainability, and the benefits of natural light. HKP Architects is a Women Business Enterprise (WBE)-certified firm. For more information, visit our website.