The Catherine Dickson Hofman (CDH) Branch of the Warren County Public Library has welcomed the community back with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and re-opening preview of its newly renovated and expanded 9,800-SF space, which included a 5,800-SF addition. The sweeping +$7M in upgrades, designed and reimagined by DIG, address long-needed renovations for the county’s busiest library branch as well as enhanced offerings for northern Warren County area residents of all ages.
The event included local mayors and county officials, as well as the efforts of the county’s newly named Library Director Jill Butcher and members of the Library Commission. A special congressional recognition also commemorated the grand opening.
“DIG’s design team took inspiration for the library’s new addition from the natural landscape of the New Jersey Highlands Region,” said Paul Graebener, DIG senior project manager. “The area’s rolling hills, valleys and forests are incorporated throughout the interior, from the custom wall coverings depicting the landscape, wood circulation desk and striking exposed wood beams, to the sloping roof in the lobby, young adult and children’s areas. The addition of windows and clerestory glazing further emphasizes this connection, drawing in natural light and offering views of the scenic surroundings.”
DIG also transformed the former space with new lighting, finishes and tailored spaces such as a fireside reading area as well as new meeting rooms and a community room with a kitchenette. The addition of a maker space and recording studio also enhances the library’s offerings.
In addition to DIG, the project team included Finelli Consulting Engineers and DeSapio Construction Group.
The project, which received funding through New Jersey’s Library Construction Bond Act, reflects a commitment to rethinking the role of libraries as well as other cultural spaces across local communities. In addition to the Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of the Warren County Public Library, and the Long Branch Free Public Library, DIG spearheaded the renovation of two Carnegie-funded libraries in Philadelphia – the Paschalville (circa 1915) Library Branch and the Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek (circa 1925) Library.
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.
