A new library under construction near Austin–Bergstrom International Airport will soon serve Del Valle and surrounding communities, with a scheduled completion date later this year. M2L Associates is the landscape architect on the project, partnering with architect PGAL Austin.
The project continues the firm’s strong partnership with longtime architecture and engineering partner PGAL, with whom the firm has worked for more than two decades on municipal, commercial and institutional categories across greater Houston.
Featured collaborations include the METRO Light Rail Section 5 in downtown Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, the Grundfos Americas Headquarters in Brookshire and the West Pearland Library. A recent project in The Woodlands — a comprehensive redevelopment of Grogan’s Mill Village Center — earned the prestigious 2026 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Development of Distinction Award for Historical Redevelopment.
M2L Principal Michael Mauer said M2L’s successful track record was instrumental as PGAL Austin worked to build the Del Valle library team. “Some of our firm’s best work has been in conjunction with PGAL, time and time again transforming complex challenges into incredible community spaces, ” Mauer said. “PGAL trusts our deep landscape design and tree preservation expertise coupled with long-standing project and client engagement experience. We couldn’t be prouder to work with the PGAL team in Austin.”
The new library will include approximately 14,000 sq ft on 2.5 acres, with extensive resources committed to community needs for learning and connection for all ages. For example, in addition to a drive-through book drop, the team’s site plan serves each age group with direct access to outdoor learning space, including a children’s garden and an adult reading garden, extending library use beyond the building.
Kenny Jones, M2L associate principal and Austin office director, is leading the landscape design team. “The project team worked hard to deliver on the client’s desire to have integrated learning spaces both inside and out, with plenty of room to grow.” Jones said. “In addition to extensive indoor learning features like public computers and reservable study rooms, site plans also include a gated outdoor children’s garden and adult reading patio, maximizing the site’s natural environment and optimizing the learning experience for all ages.”
Jones said the library’s front entry will include tapered, variable-height, Corten steel planters with native plantings, custom paving and unique furnishings, surrounded by a Texas palette for landscaping across the property.
For the children’s garden, M2L designed a custom deck with platform seating, ideal for small gatherings and social events. The adult garden features a semi-custom fence with vegetation to work as both a green screen and a privacy screen to separate the garden from the staff parking lot.
The new Del Valle library will be the third in the East Travis Gateway Library District, formed in 2006 to serve growing southeast Austin suburbs of Del Valle and surrounding communities. With explosive growth attributed to large industrial and tech employers like Tesla and Samsung and lower land costs compared to other areas of Austin, the need for community resources is profound. In January 2021 the East Travis Library District purchased the land for the third library at 7225 Ross Road in Del Valle, awarding the project to architect PGAL in May 2022.
The project ceremonially broke ground last May with construction beginning in September. Earlier this month, community and project partners came together to celebrate a “topping-out” milestone, a significant construction marker that indicates the structure has reached its maximum height and interior work can begin. More importantly, the ceremony fosters collaboration and dedication of the many stakeholders working to bring this project to life.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the collaboration and shared vision behind the Del Valle Library,” PGAL Principal Cris Ruebush said at the topping-out event. “This project represents more than a building. It is an investment in learning, connection and the future of the community.”