DIGroup Architecture (DIG), the New Brunswick-based design firm known for its “Architecture for Change” philosophy, has reached a major milestone in the Greater Philadelphia region. The firm recently celebrated the completion of the city’s new Northwest Transfer Station, a $33 million, 21,500-square-foot facility that modernizes Philadelphia’s urban infrastructure and waste management capabilities.
The state-of-the-art complex, located at Domino Lane and Umbria Street, replaces a 55-year-old operation. DIG was the architectural lead for the project, tasking its experts with designing the modern office spaces and coordinating a complex web of engineering and specialty consultants to bring the vision to life.
Under the leadership of Vince Myers, DIG president and co-founding principal, the firm focused on creating a resilient system that supports the City’s Sanitation Department. The new station is engineered to handle a massive daily volume: 550 tons of trash and 100 tons of recyclables.
“The opportunity to design a facility that has such a direct and positive impact on urban infrastructure and community quality of life is central to our firm’s mission,” Myers said.
Key architectural achievements led by DIG’s Paul Graebener, senior project manager, and Swarupa Samant, principal, include:
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Material Separation: Integrating dedicated streams for recycling and waste to eliminate long-distance travel and reduce fuel emissions.
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Industrial Fortification: Utilizing highly durable materials for “tipping floors” and “push walls” to withstand constant heavy vehicle traffic.
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Environmental Stewardship: Incorporating rainwater gardens for stormwater management and tarping stations to reduce neighborhood litter.
Expanding a “Jersey-strong” footprint in Philly
Since establishing a Philadelphia office in 2019 to complement its New Jersey headquarters, DIG has rapidly expanded its footprint across the Delaware River. The Northwest Transfer Station adds to an impressive local portfolio that spans education, healthcare, and civic spaces.
In addition to this $33M infrastructure project, the firm’s recent Philadelphia successes include:
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Education: A $22M transformation of Edwin Forrest Elementary School and nursing simulators at the Community College of Philadelphia.
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Civic: Renovations of the Paschalville and Cobbs Creek branches of the Philadelphia Public Library.
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Innovation: Shaping the strategic plan for the Budd BioWorks redevelopment.
