DIG is marking a significant portfolio project milestone with the reopening of the Philadelphia Free Public Library Paschalville Branch located in the city’s Southwest section. As the Architect of Record for this $13 million Rebuild Philadelphia renovation project, the Paschalville Branch marks the firm’s third Carnegie-era library completion and its fourth in a recent series of free community public library commissions – all completed this year.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the delivery of the Paschalville Library alongside the champions who helped make the project a reality,” said Vince Myers, DIG president. “We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute and look forward to the lasting role of and impact the Paschalville Branch will have on the neighborhood.”
The branch building, originally constructed in 1915, spans over 11,000 square feet of space across two floors. A Carnegie-funded build, the facility last underwent renovations in 1995 and needed significant technology, ADA/code compliance and structural updates, including water mitigation.
“The project’s collaborative partners and DIG had a shared vision: to rebuild, reimagine and restore this space to enable growth, learning and community for today and the future. Paschalville Library is just one example of how a mutually shared mission can result in true ‘Architecture for Change, ’” added Matt Funk, DIG project manager.
In 2020, DIG Architecture was brought on board to complete a facility assessment and redesign, working with the Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance (GPCA) in partnership with Rebuild Philadelphia, a historic investment in Philadelphia’s community spaces, including libraries, parks and recreation centers, as well as the BFW Group, Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and Southwest CDC.
The initial scope of work for DIG included site and structure assessment; health and life safety analysis; ADA/code compliance review; zoning analysis; historic designation review; and cost estimating services.
In 2023, DIG and its partners were greenlighted to break ground. Improvements made to the facility include:
DIG, which specializes in civic and historic revitalization projects, also served as Architect of Record for Rebuild’s Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library. Originally constructed in 1925, this Carnegie-era library was completed earlier this year as was the Long Branch Free Public Library in Monmouth County, NJ. A fourth, in Northwest New Jersey’s Warren County, involved long-needed renovations and an addition to the county’s busiest library branch.
In addition, DIG’s expertise includes a portfolio of library work on behalf of higher education institutions. The firm recently completed the ninth-floor renovation – and its second project of its kind – at Hofstra University on Long Island. DIG also is the Architect of Record for a major $19.5 million renovation underway at the Richard E. Bjork Library at Stockton University in South Jersey.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect III/Architectural Staff III position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.Architect III
Barbara graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute’s Architecture program. She has spent over a decade in marketing, where her understanding of architecture uniquely enhances her ability to inform the firm’s proposal development and marketing communication strategies and to position the firm as an industry leader. Barbara leverages the team’s knowledge and expertise into compelling content that reinforces brand identity and builds recognition among our clients and peers.
She handles the rigors of her role with determination and adapts quickly to challenges, which stems from an adventurous spirit. When not fine-tuning workflow efficiencies, Barbara is out and about with her family enjoying the outdoors; from ski slopes to local trails to playgrounds to CrossFit.
Emily graduated with a Business Degree from TCNJ and has worked in the Accounting and Finance departments for software, manufacturing and construction companies. Her professional strengths in accounts receivable, process improvement and account analysis are well suited for the complex nature of architectural project billing.
Emily loves to bake, but don’t ask her to make dinner – cooking is not her forte! Her husband is the family chef, and their two young daughters love to “help” in the kitchen. Some of Emily’s favorite things to do include riding bikes with her older daughter Layla, reading with her younger daughter Evelyn, going out to dinner with her husband and friends, and drinking a cup of coffee in peace and quiet.
Chris A’Hearn comes to DIG with over 20 years of experience in corporate financial management across several industries. Along with a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University’s School of Business and an MBA from Monmouth University, Chris has a keen interest in sustainable building solutions and earned the LEED AP Certification. With his experience in engineering and commercial construction, Chris helps DIG to achieve its financial growth initiatives. He brings his passion for sustainable construction and design to the firm as well as contributing his financial expertise to the DIG team focusing on future success.
Away from the office, Chris and his wife, Anne, stay busy with 2 children. Emily studies at Bucknell University and is interested in life sciences. Andy is a gifted and talented student as well as a competitive YMCA swimmer.
DIGroupArchitecture is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture, interior design and graphic design firm with studios specializing in various areas of concentration: education, healthcare, senior housing and community-civic. A minority-owned business with a philosophy that everyone deserves great architecture, DIG is currently staffed with approximately 30 professionals and looking to expand our team and to fill the Architect I/Architectural Staff I position.
Desired Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Interested candidates please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to: [email protected].
At DIG, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
