Mount Vernon Library Commons Receives Two Industry Awards
HKP Architects is honored to share the Mount Vernon Library Commons received two recent industry awards, highlighting the facility’s mechanical engineering and masonry design excellence.
In March, the team received the State Gold Award at the 2026 ACEC Washington Engineering Excellence Awards. The project was recognized in the Social, Economic, and Sustainable Development Considerations category. The award was presented to FSi Engineers, the project's mechanical engineer, for their outstanding contributions to the project's overwhelming success.
The project also received a Gold Award in the Public category at the 2026 Northwest Masonry Institute Awards. Northbound Masonry was the mason on the project and Mutual Materials was the supplier.
Designed by HKP Architects, the MVLC is Mount Vernon's first new civic building in over 20 years. The project reimagines the traditional library space as a multi-use community hub, featuring library services, dedicated teen spaces, meeting and conference rooms, a commissary kitchen supporting local entrepreneurs, and integrated parking to support downtown access.
The MVLC is a leader in sustainable design. As a Phius-certified building, it is designed to use 70% less energy than a code compliant building, making it one of the most energy efficient public buildings in the county. The building also houses the largest EV charging station in the nation. The use of natural, durable and contextual materials led to the decision to utilize brick on the façade, pervious concrete pavers in pedestrian areas, and terracotta screening for the garage.
Since opening, the library has doubled overall visitation and quadrupled teen use, reinforcing its role as a vibrant civic space.
HKP Architects congratulates the City of Mount Vernon, FSi Engineers, Northbound Masonry, and the entire project team on receiving these recognitions.
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.