The New Burbank Library and Civic Center is moving into its next phase following the Burbank City Council’s approval of Clark Construction Group + Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as the Progressive Design-Build team for the project.

The selection moves the project from project definition and procurement into design. MOCA Systems, Inc. (MOCA), the City’s Project Manager, has led the planning and project definition process and will continue working with the City and Design-Builder as the project advances.

“Burbank has been envisioning a new Central Library since the late 1990s, and we now have alignment around a common vision for its future,” said Eric P. Lashley, Library Services Director for the City of Burbank. “We want to create a place that supports lifelong learning, creativity and human connection, with spaces designed around how our community will use them. Bringing the Design-Build team on board is an important step toward turning that vision into reality.”

The New Burbank Library and Civic Center represents a once-in-a-generation investment in Burbank’s civic core, with plans for a 97,500-square-foot building, a 310-stall parking structure, and approximately 43,000 square feet of primary public open space. The facility will house library services, City offices, spaces for children and teens, digital media and makerspaces, creative coworking, community event spaces, and a café.

Since August 2025, MOCA has led project definition in collaboration with City leadership, Library and City staff, community members, and other stakeholders. Through visioning, community engagement, programming, site planning, test fits, and cost estimating, MOCA has translated Burbank’s priorities into an implementation strategy while supporting entitlements and preparation for Progressive Design-Build procurement. The process established four guiding principles: Community, Beauty, Flexibility and Safety, which will serve as the foundation for decision-making throughout design, construction, and long-term operation of the facility.

“It has been an honor for MOCA to partner with the community and the City of Burbank to craft and deliver their vision for the Civic Center,” said Houston Drum, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, Vice President at MOCA. “We are thrilled the City has now selected a high-profile and accomplished design-build team in Clark and SOM, and we look forward to the collaboration to bring this once-in-a-generation project to life.”

Design is scheduled to begin in fall 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in summer 2027 and the new Library and Civic Center opening to the public in spring 2029.

Learn more about MOCA’s involvement in the New Burbank Library and Civic Center project here.

About MOCA Systems, Inc.

MOCA Systems, Inc. (MOCA) is a leading provider of services and software for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries. MOCA delivers innovative solutions to Owners, Engineers, Architects, and Contractors building some of the world’s largest, most complex construction projects. A profitable firm with offices across the United States and partners around the globe, MOCA drives construction excellence worldwide.

MOCA’s MOCA Services unit provides a full suite of services and technologies that ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and meet all Owner expectations.

MOCA’s Touchplan software is a leading planning platform for complex construction and commissioning projects, used by many of the largest contractors and owners across the industry.

To learn more, visit mocasystems.com.

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