"The City of Phoenix has embraced green building for its recycling, lowered life-cycle operating costs and energy efficiency," says Art Jordan, director of commercial construction for Linthicum Constructors Inc., the project's general contractor. The $4.5-million project is located at 3635 W. Baseline Rd. on two acres within the Cesar Chavez District Park. The library, positioned at the edge of the park's lake, will open at the end of 2005.

Jordan tells GlobeSt.com that the library will be constructed with environmentally friendly products including waterless urinals, low water-use faucets and toilets, recycled carpet, low-emission paint, sustainable millwork made from wheat and drip irrigation for the landscaping. Tucson-based Line and Space LLC designed the building, which takes advantage of the environment.

"The building will look like it's part of the environment," Jordan explains. For example, the library will be sunk 10 feet into existing earthen berms. The butterfly-shaped roof is made of foam over a steel deck. And, one wall will feature floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light to create a "living room on the lake." The windows are insulated and glazed. The branch will serve as a community meeting place. It will include a computer lab, meeting room, teen center, young children's area and a public art display.