The winner of a national design competition, Matheson Public Library creates a dignified civic image and meaningful sense of place for its suburban site in Matheson, Illinois. A restrained monumentality is formed through a series of hierarchically organized volumes. Together, these volumes shape the library which enfronts a civic court that accommodates community activities and reinforces the library's importance as a civic symbol.

Internally, a central lobby separates library functions and the staff work area. This arrangement affords the staff visual control and immediate access to various service areas. Flexible arrangements of these programmed functions are possible, and all internal spaces are provided with natural lighting through a variety of sources. The public meeting room in the library can accessed from the library proper; or may be secured to permit independent access.

Cordogan, Clark and Associates worked with the design architects, Spangler, Semler, Schlenker of Philadelphia, and the Matteson Public Library Board of Directors during Schematic Design and Design Development Phases of the library. CCA provided full construction documents, specifications, and contract administration services, including services for interior design and furnishings. Our firm also provided full structural engineering services for this challenging design. Special care was taken with the structural construction, waterproofing, and mechanical considerations for the below-grade public room and storage areas. Matteson Public Library has received two design awards from the American Institute of Architects.