The design process included close collaboration with multiple stakeholder groups, including the Cosumnes Community Recreation District, a non-profit senior center operator, and a local group developing a Veterans Hall, as well as the City. Through an iterative design process with the community, stakeholders, and various City departments, Group 4 developed a program able to meet various user group needs within a single building, while simultaneously integrating the building within the larger Civic Center plan.

The Center has a prominent presence both along the active Civic Center Drive corridor and along a broad outdoor pedestrian promenade winding through the Civic Center. The center provides spaces with strong connections between interior and exterior. The design includes a 500 person ballroom with a glass wall opening to a patio and park space beyond; a café is adjoined by covered outdoor seating along the promenade.

The Elk Grove Community Center is designed to achieve Zero Net Energy performance. It opened to the public in late 2019.