Paschalville Library

DIG completed a facility conditions assessment and redesign of the historic Paschalville Library, built in1914 under the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild Program. Our scope included: site and structure assessment, health and life safety analysis, ADA/code compliance review, zoning analysis, historic designation review, along with initial programming studies and cost estimating services. 

The program is a comprehensive effort to bring its community assets into a state of good repair, and also to make these facilities responsive to the needs of the neighborhoods they serve. Therefore, throughout the assessment and design process, we have led scope determination and design review exercises with 70 

stakeholders. During the assessment phase, this was essential to help prioritize the library’s needs and wants and identify working budgets for a variety of scope bundle options. 

The final scope of design and construction work rehabilitates the building with more efficient MEP systems, restores the integrity of the envelope to mitigate water intrusion, and restores key features such as the interior portion of the skylight. The redesign provides new ADA access to the building and new stairs/ LULA elevator, as well as interior renovations.

The project enables the library to fulfill a need for community gathering places, shared state-of-the-art technology and enhanced programming for all ages to grow knowledge.