Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Philadelphia Elementary School Completes $22M Renovation Project

  • By Matt Jones
  • 07/02/24

Edwin Forrest Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pa., recently celebrated the completion of a $22-million renovation project, according to a news release. The School District of Philadelphia partnered with DIGroup Architecture (DIG) for the project’s design. Work on the almost century-old campus included significant interior renovations, repairs to the exterior building envelope, and restoration.

“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 DIG President Vince Myers. “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.”

The news release reports that renovation work included new finishes and program spaces throughout the building. Additions include a new commercial kitchen; new HVAC systems; refreshed ADA-compliant bathrooms; and new voltage and lighting systems compatible with district-wide technology. New specialty classrooms include space for art, science, small-group instruction, an updated computer lab, and a Maker Space.

“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 DIG senior project manager LoriAnne Jones. “It is an honor to work with end-user groups, and School District of Philadelphia leadership, to conceptualize and deliver projects like Edwin Forrest Elementary School, which meet modern needs while maintaining and celebrating the historical integrity of an older structure.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Dallas-Area District Debuts Three New Facilities

    The Duncanville Independent School District in southwest Dallas, Texas, recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for three new facilities that resulted from a $170-million bond program passed in 2023, according to a news release.

  • Montclair State University Starts Construction on $120M STEM Building

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently broke ground on a new $120-million Interdisciplinary Science Building, according to university news. The university partnered with HoK Architects for the project’s design, and it’s scheduled to open in time for the 2028–29 academic year.

  • TCU Marks Campus Expansion Milestone

    Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, recently held a topping-out ceremony to mark progress on a major campus expansion effort including four new residential facilities and a five-story parking garage, according to a news release.

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.