In the City of White House, population growth over the past 30 years has created momentum and an opportunity to reimagine what community looks like for all residents. Civic services were available, but not always connected, accessible or intuitive to navigate.
City leadership recognized the potential for more. Rather than adding more facilities, their vision was to bring them together in a true town center where residents can check out a book, work out and pay their bills, all in one place.
This concept took shape through a long-term partnership with Wold Architects & Engineers, evolving from a single project in 2012 into a multifaceted civic collaboration.
From the outset, the work has been guided by a commitment to partnership. Wold worked closely with city leadership and department heads to align priorities, define needs and establish clear paths forward. From master planning through programming and a multi-phase implementation, our team worked as a trusted advisor to city leaders and stakeholders. The programming phase proved especially critical to creating a shared understanding of how each space would function individually and as part of a larger system. This alignment translated into results with the library, community center and recreation center projects all being delivered on or under budget, reinforcing trust and enabling continued investment in the city’s broader vision.
The result is a master-planned civic campus that unites essential services in one connected, accessible destination – creating a seamless, one-stop experience for residents. The campus integrates library services, city administration and recreation, and connects to surrounding amenities like a park and splash pad. Together, these elements create a place that supports both daily tasks and moments of gathering, making it a true community hub.
Architecturally, the campus reflects this balance of unity and individuality. The library and community center share a consistent brick material, creating visual continuity. The recreation center introduces metal paneling, adding energy and signaling its active, dynamic use. The outcome is a cohesive campus where each building belongs, but maintains its own identity.
Bringing the vision to life required a thoughtful, phased approach. The project unfolded in three stages, beginning with the library as an anchor and early hub for the community. The community center followed to establish a centralized home for city administration, with the recreation center completing the campus by offering expanded opportunities for wellness and activity.
Phasing allowed the city to build strategically without interrupting services to residents, and it required careful coordination at every step. In phase three, that coordination was especially critical: an existing facility remained active throughout construction to support intramural programs and senior services. Through deliberate sequencing and close collaboration, the team minimized disruption and delivered an ecosystem that evolved without losing its connection to the community it serves.
Across the grounds, design decisions are grounded in a focus on accessibility and connection. Clear wayfinding, intuitive layouts and strong visual cues make it easy for visitors to navigate and engage with each space.
Transparency plays a key role. Extensive use of glass brings in natural light and creates a sense of openness, allowing activity inside the buildings to be visible from the outside and vice versa. In the recreation center, large open areas along the running track reinforce that connection and create a dynamic relationship between interior and exterior spaces.
Entrances are intentionally defined and responsive to the site, including dual entry points that accommodate the building’s slope and patterns of use. Lobbies for each building are designed as welcoming gathering places, not just pass-throughs, to invite people in and encourage interaction, rather than simply moving through.
Today, the Community Center delivers on its original vision: a true heart for the people of White House. It is a place where residents can move easily between services, connect and experience their community in a more integrated way.
“We greatly value our relationship with Wold. From initial concept through final completion, their team demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness and a strong commitment to our vision,” shared Gerald Herman, city administrator for the City of White House. “They remained engaged throughout the entire process, ensuring clear communication and timely follow-through every step of the way. Their ability to understand our goals and transform them into a beautiful, lasting community asset was amazing. Our community will reap the benefits from this facility for many decades to come.”
That impact extends beyond convenience. By bringing together services, recreation and gathering spaces, the campus supports quality of life and strengthens the city’s identity as it continues to grow. It also reflects the value of sustained partnership. Through continued collaboration, the city and Wold are building on this foundation with other public safety projects, including a new firehall and police department addition, that reinforce the civic core.
For municipalities considering what the future of community looks like, White House offers a simple lesson: creating places where connection happens naturally is crucial. Growing communities don’t necessarily need more service spaces; they need ones that foster access and a shared sense of place.
Curious how this approach could support your community’s next chapter? Connect with our team to start the conversation.
