This project encompasses the development of a new 126,000 SF addition to the existing 87,000 SF University of Alaska/Alaska Pacific University Consortium Library. The project was designed to provide continued use of the current Consortium Library building, modified and upgraded to meet the requirements of future library operations. Construction of another component to the project — the 110,000 SF, 300 space parking structure and pedestrian link (skybridge) — was completed in early 2002.

The design creates a University icon on the campus that is highly visible to both academic and local communities, and reflective of a warm and friendly place on campus with state-of-the-art information access and usage. The progressive form of the building reaches outward both physically and figuratively. The building’s shape is a form full of movement and vitality, reflecting the University's youth, energy, and leading role in Alaska's future. The building takes advantage of the natural light and the mountain views, wraps around study areas and surrounds a Foucalt Pendulum — a focal point of the library and the northernmost pendulum of this type in the world.

Some 74,000 SF of space within the existing Consortium Library, and a new 3-story steel and concrete structure provide the additional area required for the expanded functions. The renovation of the existing Consortium Library creates a large spatial volume at the entry to the facility, which takes the form of a “Great Room.” This space incorporates a “Grand Staircase”, providing both visual and physical access to the upper level of the facility.