DIGroup Architecture (DIG) is marking a significant portfolio project milestone with the reopening of the Philadelphia Free Public Library Paschalville Branch at 6942 Woodland Ave., 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. 

DIG, which has offices in Philadelphia, New Brunswick, NJ and New York City, also recently finalized a higher education student/faculty library floor at a New York university and is currently the Architect of Record for a university library modernization project underway in South Jersey. Driven by the axiom “Architecture for Change,” DIG deploys an innovative approach to achieving social impact and equitable design through innovative architecture, interior design and environmental graphic design.  

“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:  

• Higher-efficiency mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; 
• Restoration of the building’s envelope to mitigate water damage; 
• Restoration of interior skylight, masonry and stained-glass window features; 
• Updated lighting and security systems and features;  
• Installation of new ADA access points; 
• New stairs and elevator; and 
• Overhauled floor plan. 

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.