The five-story Central Public Library of Minneapolis, Minn., is an architectural benchmark for Midwestern urban landscapes and sets an example for sustainable building design. The new Central Public Library features an extremely energy-efficient design, complete with three green roofs, and is being billed by the city as an architectural jewel that will support a vibrant downtown culture.

The Kestrel Design Group (landscape architect) was faced with the challenge of creating an extensive green roof that would retain storm water runoff, while supporting the high-tech needs of a modern information hub and preserve the library's fragile historical collections.