DIGroup Delivers Renovated Philadelphia K-5 School
By Eric Althoff
PHILADELPHIA—Architecture, interior and graphic design firm DIGroup Architecture (DIG) completed the redesign of Edwin Forrest Elementary School, located in the Mayfair neighborhood of Philadelphia. The $22 million renovation project was the first major redesign work for DIG in connection with the School District of Philadelphia.
Among the work completed to bring the century-old school up to contemporary use were work on the exterior envelope as well as the interior. DIG’s work included renovating Edwin Forrest’s art rooms as well as providing an update to the school’s auditorium. The designers conjured a new computer lab and created modern classrooms dedicated to science and art. Mechanical upgrades included a new commercial kitchen and HVAC system, low-voltage electrical systems, as well as ADA-compliant restrooms.
DIG’s collaborators on the project included general contractor Smith Construction Company, mechanical and plumbing engineer Five Star Inc., and electrician specialist Mulhern Electric Company. All of those firms are Pennsylvania-based.
“DIG has been serving the school market since our inception, and our team is keenly aware of how renovated spaces can be—and are—a complete game-changer for student success,” said Vince Myers, president of the design firm. “Throughout our history, we have been extremely active across New Jersey and New York City and are pleased to expand our regional expertise to now include Philadelphia.”
LoriAnne Jones, DIG senior project manager, praised her firm’s collaboration with the School District of Philadelphia. All key players were focused on the students’ present and future needs while simultaneously respecting the district’s history.
“Schools are community spaces where teachers and administrators partner with parents to shape the minds, hearts and character of their young people. Students and staff deserve physical spaces that are safe, functional and provide an uplifting environment where learning can take place,” said Jones.
When reached to discuss some of the challenges that the designers faced at Edwin Forrest, DIG Senior Project Manager Manny Coimbra said that the team had to be careful to preserve the historical aspect of the older building while bringing it up to modern requirements.
“One of the more interesting/challenging aspects of the project was renovating an Art Deco building originally built in 1929,” Forrest said. “DIG and its consultants worked with the owner and the contractors to preserve the past while integrating modern functionality that honored the original craftsmanship and created spaces that meet today’s educational needs.”
DIG, which was founded in New Brunswick, New Jersey, two decades ago, came to the City of Brotherly Love a few years ago. The firm is a certified Minority-Owned, Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise (MBE/DBE/SBE). The company’s previous work in the educational sector includes the Rose M. Lopez Dual-Language Elementary School in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.