The Southdale Library is the fourth busiest library in the Hennepin County Library system. The new Library and Edina Art Center will create a unified space with improved accessibility, strengthened programming and partnerships, and showcase sustainable design at one of the busiest branches in the county.
Designed by MSR Design, the project is informed by years of community engagement efforts and was designed with community in mind. The architecture heightens connection through welcoming spaces, natural light, and outdoor green spaces that connect with adjacent neighborhoods, Nine Mile Creek Trail, and public amenities.
MMT’s mass timber defines the building’s structure and sensibility. With 319 m³ of Douglas Fir cross-laminated timber and 338 m³ of Douglas Fir glulam, the design delivers a warm, open, and resilient framework that elevates both public space and long-term performance. The precision of the timber system supports generous spans, daylight-rich interiors, and a strong connection to the project’s restorative site.
Driven by Hennepin County’s Climate Action Plan and Minnesota’s B3 Sustainable Guidelines, the Southdale Library sets a new benchmark for low-carbon civic architecture. A high-performance façade, efficient systems, and onsite renewables position the building to achieve SB2030; demonstrating how mass timber can accelerate regional climate commitments while enriching the everyday experiences of the communities it serves.
