Image courtesy: DIGroup Architecture
By Joshua Burd
The New York City School Construction Authority has selected DIGroup Architecture to design a new ground-up elementary school in the Bronx, the practice announced.
Based in New Brunswick, the firm said it will be the design architect for PS X515, which will serve pre-K through grade five, across from Van Cortlandt Park and adjacent to an upcoming residential building. Plans call for the six-story, 100,000-square-foot school to open in September 2027, when it will accommodate 696 students, including 84 students from the City-Wide Special Education District 75 Program.
Notably, it is DIGroup’s first ground-up public-school design assignment in New York City under the SCA’s Capacity Program to alleviate overcrowding and reliance on temporary structures.
“We are thrilled to continue working with the New York City School Construction Authority on this impactful community project,” said Jeffrey Venezia, CEO of DIGroup Architecture. “With every academic facility we take on, we strive to create a sustainable, safe, functional and attractive facility that seamlessly complements the neighborhood in which it is built. This project will be no different — and we are looking forward to expanding our footprint and portfolio of projects with the largest school district in the nation.”
DIGroup’s prior SCA projects include three primary school fit-outs in developer-based buildings in Brooklyn and Queens, according to a news release. PS X515 is also slated to include a gymnatorium, a play roof, a dedicated early-childhood playground, a library and speech, occupational and physical therapy rooms, among other spaces.
DIG Architecture is partnering with the New York City School Construction Authority in planning and design of the educational facility. The firm also has been engaged for similar projects throughout New Jersey and the School District of Philadelphia.
