Construction is underway on projects that will modernize the historic Paschalville and Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek (below) library branches in Philadelphia, with DIGroup Architecture serving as the architect of record. — Renderings courtesy: DIG
By Joshua Burd
A plan to rehabilitate two historic public libraries in Philadelphia is now taking shape under a set of projects spearheaded by New Brunswick-based DIGroup Architecture.
According to the practice, construction is underway at the Carnegie-funded Paschalville and Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek branches, with DIG serving as the architect of record for both assignments. It’s doing so on behalf of Rebuild Philadelphia, an initiative involving government and community stakeholders, seeking to modernize facilities that are roughly 109 and 99 years old, respectively.
Construction at both is slated to conclude by year end.
“Historic rehabilitation has a deeper meaning that extends well beyond protecting or modernizing a building that has been around for a long period of time,” said Vince Myers, president of DIG. “It is about creating a record of the past, including materials and techniques from a bygone era, as well as being environmentally and socially responsible by preserving historic character and extending the lifespan of a significant pillar of the community.”
In a news release, the firm said the projects cost a combined $21.7 million. The work involves a site, structure, health and life safety analysis that included an ADA and code compliance review, zoning analysis and a historic designation review, all of which were part of the facility conditions assessment conducted by DIG.
The firm carried out that process while seeking extensive feedback from neighbors and end users of all ages, the news release said. DIG added that the branches, which serve the Paschalville, Elmwood and Cobbs Creek neighborhoods, are important community anchors and a key resource for local students and workforce development.
Philadelphia’s Rebuild Program is the catalyst for historic investment in public spaces across the city, the news release said. The distinctive initiative involves user groups or nonprofit organizations with deep neighborhood roots that serve as de facto developers, which are responsible for the execution and completion of projects of paramount importance to their immediate-area community.
“We are extremely proud of our work with Rebuild as well as the stakeholders, who are an integral partner in our community-engagement strategies and key to the success in restoring and delivering these vital assets back to the city of Philadelphia,” Myers said. “These projects exemplify and embody our Architecture for Change mission and unwavering commitment to bring high-quality, sustainable architecture to all neighborhoods.”
DIG’s other recent historic preservation and restoration projects within the greater Philadelphia area include award-winning assignments at Camden High School and Trenton Central High School, as well as in Ewing Township, where the firm is currently handling the restoration of a historic Louis Kahn bath house.
Additionally, DIG is involved with a third Carnegie-funded library, in Long Branch.