Holly Street
Studio
Arizona State University
Media & Immersive eXperience Center
City of Phoenix Public Library
College Depot at Burton Barr
College Depot is a free, full-service college access center that offers one-on-one appointments with college planning and re-engagement advisors to assist with earning a general equivalency diploma (GED), high school diploma, college degree or apprenticeship. The depot also hosts workshops including admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and more. Virtual and in-person appointments are available six days a week, providing services to approximately 975 individuals, who are predominantly low- and moderate-income teenagers and adults, on an annual basis. While there is a growing demand for services, the current floorplan within the Burton Barr Central Library limits the number of one-on-one appointments that can be scheduled and thus limits the number of individuals and families served.
Design Strategy
The College Depot renovation expands access to opportunity within the walls of Phoenix’s most iconic public library. As a free, full-service college planning center, College Depot provides critical one-on-one support to nearly a thousand individuals each year—many of whom are first-generation college students or adults re-entering the education system. Our design addresses the growing demand for services by expanding the program footprint within the existing building envelope. The new plan adds dedicated offices, private enclaves, and a flexible conference room—allowing more appointments to be scheduled and more students to be served. Interior updates prioritize accessibility, acoustic privacy, and intuitive navigation, with thoughtful upgrades to lighting, finishes, and circulation. With minimal disruption, the renovation gives College Depot the space it needs to grow—supporting education, equity, and lifelong learning in the heart of the city.
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Project Owner
City of Phoenix / Phoenix Public Library
Cost
$800,000
Size
2,000 square feet
Completion
2026 (est)
MEP Engineering
Energy Systems Design
