In the mid-1980s, the City of Leavenworth initiated efforts to explore the possibility of developing a new City Hall and Public Library in the heart of its Bavarian-themed downtown. The City needed a comprehensive feasibility study that would determine whether the desired civic functions could be effectively accommodated on a prominent downtown site—and, if so, how these public buildings could strengthen community life and complement Leavenworth’s unique architectural character.

In collaboration with architect Dick Loofburrow, John Jessen lead this feasibility study, providing the foundational planning, analysis, and conceptual direction that ultimately made the project possible. His work evaluated site capacity, programmatic requirements, circulation strategies, architectural massing, relationships to public streets and pedestrian areas, and the building’s role in reinforcing civic identity within the town center.

Jessen’s study demonstrated that the combined City Hall and Library program could be sensitively integrated into the downtown fabric while enhancing public access, reinforcing walkability, and contributing to the community’s cultural vitality. Importantly, his work helped the City establish a clear planning framework, secure public support, and obtain the funding and approvals necessary to move the project forward.

Although the final building was later designed by another architectural team, many of the planning principles introduced during Jessen’s feasibility phase—site placement, civic presence, pedestrian orientation, and integration with Leavenworth’s architectural character—were carried forward and realized in the built project. His early visioning thus played a meaningful role in shaping the civic landmark that stands on the site today.

The Leavenworth City Hall & Public Library project remains a testament to the power of early-stage architectural thinking. Through this feasibility study, John Jessen helped the City imagine what was possible and laid the groundwork for a civic and cultural resource that continues to serve the community decades later.

Project location: Leavenworth, WA

Project size: 18,000 SF

Work previously completed by John Jessen with Architect-of-Record Loofburrow Architects.