The Cedar Park Public Library has been honored with the 2025 Best Public Place award from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Austin. The recognition, presented at the group’s Impact Awards on August 27, celebrates completed projects that enhance community life and create inviting public spaces.
Why the library stood out
Jurors praised the library for its ability to energize not only the building itself but also the surrounding community. “Cedar Park’s library is a perfect example of how you can bring that new innovative energy from the urban core out to the suburban area,” said ULI Austin juror and Pflugerville council member Rudy Metayer.
A closer look at the facility
The 47,000-square-foot library opened in November 2024 and quickly became a community hub, drawing more than 500,000 visitors in its first year. Inside, patrons can access technology resources, a makerspace, and collaborative work areas. Outdoor and indoor play zones make the space welcoming for children and families.
Part of the Bell District vision
The library is the first anchor project in the Bell District, a mixed-use development designed to blend housing, dining, retail, and public amenities. Developer RedLeaf partnered with the City of Cedar Park to bring the project to life.
“It’s part WeWork, part library, part children’s museum, and part community center,” said Ryan McCulloch, vice president at RedLeaf Properties. He added that visitor numbers have surpassed expectations, reinforcing the library’s role as a catalyst for activity in the district.
