Walker, Michigan31,250 square feetFall 2026
Kent District Library, Walker Branch
Kent District Library, Walker Branch
The Walker Branch of Kent District Library (KDL) is entering an exciting new chapter, reimagined through a collaborative effort between Mathison Mathison Architects (MMA), Studio GC (SGC), Kent District Library, and the City of Walker to create a vibrant civic space where discovery, engagement, and community come together.
Lead Architect
Architect of Record
Mathison | Mathison Architects
Construction Manager
Since the 1990’s, the existing library has served the community well, but its small and divided spaces limited the potential for how libraries are used today. As the city began exploring options for improvement, the vision grew beyond a library expansion to create a welcoming central hub designed to support learning, connection, and community. Together, MMA and SGC worked closely with city leaders and library staff to create a facility that not only expands library services, but also provides dedicated space for the city’s IT department, flexible rooms for public use, and the ability to serve as an emergency shelter if needed.
Our team reimagined not just the building complex itself, but the overall site design and outdoor organization, focusing on connecting the library to its surroundings and reinforcing its role as a civic anchor for the City of Walker. A key goal was to retain and renovate the existing 9,000 SF library, transforming it into community spaces while adding a large new library addition and facilitating thoughtful access from both sides to newly formed outdoor gathering areas. Reorganizing the site allowed the building to move closer to the street, giving it a strong visual presence and improving access for both vehicles and pedestrians. New parking and site circulation prioritize safety, particularly for those walking to and from the nearby soccer fields, where the addition of new pedestrian pathways greatly enhance visibility and convenience.
A central outdoor courtyard at the heart of the building complex provides a partially sheltered and seasonal space for library programming and community gatherings, while the main entry is maintained in a central location that reinforces familiar pedestrian patterns between City Hall, the parking lot, and the library entrance.
Now under construction and scheduled to open in fall 2026, the Walker branch of Kent District Library is designed to be both a resource and a refuge as a place that reflects the city’s values and commitment to growth, safety, and community connection for generations to come.
*renderings provided by Studio GC
