Rutherford County
EMS #4 + Haynes Branch Library

Two buildings, one vision.

Mark Patterson was engaged in 2015 by Rutherford County, North Carolina to design two separate civic buildings—a new 3,780-square-foot Foothills EMS Station and a 5,940-square-foot Haynes Branch Library—constructed concurrently on a shared site. This coordinated effort allowed the County to maximize efficiency in both design and construction while delivering two vital community resources in a unified development. 

The EMS station was designed to support rapid response and operational efficiency, featuring two drive-through apparatus bays, four sleeping quarters with shared “Jack and Jill” bathrooms, a residential-style kitchen, a day area, training room, and dedicated storage space. These spaces were laid out to promote ease of movement and foster a comfortable environment for first responders. 

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The newly built library features distinct zones, including an adult stacks area, a dedicated children’s section, and a flexible community gathering space. Thoughtfully designed, the community area can function independently, allowing for events and meetings without disrupting core library services.

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Though functionally distinct, the architecture of both buildings was intentionally designed to complement one another. Shared materials, cohesive forms, and a unified aesthetic language create a visually harmonious civic campus that reflects the County’s investment in thoughtful, community-centered design.