City officials, community leaders, local residents and members of the DIG design team recently gathered to celebrate the grand reopening and 100th Anniversary of the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library of Philadelphia following its $8.5 million revitalization. The public library, which has served as a center for the Cobbs Creek community for more than a century since being funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, has been refurbished and renovated to celebrate its rich history while incorporating modern conveniences and expanded vital-resource access.

Among the upgrades to the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library is a new amphitheater, improved ADA accessibility and an interactive play area, along with energy-saving windows, lighting and new finishes and furniture throughout. The project is part of Philadelphia’s $400M Rebuild program, which aims to revitalize the city’s built heritage and community centers.

“The transformation of the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library went beyond just renovating a building,” said Vince Myers, DIG President. “Our team took this great privilege as an opportunity to connect Cobbs Creek residents with the rich heritage of their community while providing the tools and amenities necessary to succeed and achieve in today’s society.”

Myers was joined by Director of Interior Design Kate Haas, Senior Project Manager Wally Harris and Senior Architect Matt Funk at the ceremonial ribbon cutting. In addition, DIG is involved in spearheading $13.2M in renovations at another nearby library in Philadelphia – the Paschalville Branch – as well as the grand re-opening of the renovated Long Branch Free Public Library in Monmouth County, NJ, both originally funded by Carnegie grants.

The Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library’s renovation was made possible by a multilateral collaboration that included funding from the Keystone Community Grant Program and William Penn Foundation as well as Rebuild Philadelphia resources.