DIG Honored In Prestigious New Jersey Business Magazine’s 62nd Annual New Good Neighbor Awards

DIGroup Architecture has been awarded the 62nd Annual New Good Neighbor Award presented by New Jersey Business Magazine for their design of the Clinton Hill Early Learning Center in Newark, NJ. This new building development transformed a long-vacant site into a thriving and vibrant destination for young children and addresses the need for quality childhood education and childcare in the neighborhood.

The annual competition shines a light on firms, institutions, and nonprofits that contribute to the economic growth and stabilization of neighborhoods in the form of new and improved buildings or infrastructure that add value to New Jersey communities. 

The spacious, light-filled, two-story, 40,000 square foot facility for 200 children from 6 months to age four, features 16 classrooms, secure inner courtyard, multipurpose room for (available for community use), family childcare resource room, and commercial kitchen. The building is cohabitated by Clinton Hill’s Pre-K programs and La Casa’s Early Head Start programs, providing quality care and services to the community.

At the Center’s grand opening in June, Alderiso saw firsthand how an intentionally designed built environment helps contribute to the development and engagement of the students, staff, and community. “Kids had already started in school, so, we were seeing the building in use, the smiling faces. It’s just a great experience. And the people who run those schools really do the best they can with whatever they have. So, we really wanted their vision to shine in that setting,” said Alderiso.