Mount Vernon Library Commons Project (Transit-oriented Development)

credit agreement executed

USDOT's first transit-oriented development project loan; read the release. The Mount Vernon Library Commons project is transit-oriented development project located in historic downtown Mount Vernon, Washington.   Combining several community needs, this project is a catalyst for economic development in the Cascadia Innovation Corridor along the Interstate 5 corridor between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, and represents a $53 million investment in the local economy. This project includes public library services, community center space, a commercial kitchen, public restrooms, and structured parking with the largest public electric vehicle charging center in the USA, park and ride, and transit stop.  As an equitable anchor institution of any modern city and region, the Library is well-positioned to extend its role as a critical community connector; offering a place for seniors to gather, an early learning hub, access to digital literacy, new business incubation, employee training, and the necessary tools that strengthen democracy by addressing knowledge gaps. The public parking structure will host 276 parking stalls, 4 DCFC, and 72 Level 2 variable EV chargers. The Project has pioneered sustainability by designing to Passive House standards, reducing energy use by 80%, achieving 40% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP) in concrete mix, and including a 112,000 kW solar array on the south elevation.