This 92 unit multifamily residential project is part of the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Wilmington, DE. Historically, Market Street functioned as Wilmington’s main thoroughfare. It is defined by a rich variety of building types and styles, representing the city’s commercial growth from the late-nineteenth through the mid-twentieth century. In the later half of the twentieth century, social strife, suburbanization, and the decentralization of the job market contributed to the city’s socioeconomic decline. As a result, many properties along Market Street sat vacant and were eventually demolished, leaving pronounced voids in the streetscape. The Cooper's mid-block infill site extends from Market Street to King Street and is a significant reinvestment in the city’s urban fabric. 

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The design responds to challenges of the through-block site by creating a distinct entry sequence from each street front, ultimately leading to a verdant, mid-block courtyard. 
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The courtyard serves as a shared community space and provides views and daylight to the dwelling units along its perimeter. 
200 market section diagram
Large windows in all rooms bring abundant daylight and natural ventilation into the units. 
A cast iron facade from the former Cooper’s Furniture Store Building which formerly occupied the site (built in 1874 by Royer Brothers of Philadelphia) was salvaged and refurbished, and now serves as the gateway into the building’s courtyard. 
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Drawing on the eclectic variety of the neighboring brick and limestone buildings, The Cooper's facades integrate a range of brick bond patterns and scales.  

Recognition:

2022 AIA Philadelphia Merit Award
2021 AIA Pennsylvania Honor Award
2021 Brick In Architecture Bronze Medal
2021 Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter, Excellence in Construction, Merit Award
2021 Delaware Contractors Association Construction Excellence Award

Projects

Frances M. Maguire Art Museum - St. Joseph's University

Center For Advanced Technologies - Bucks County Community College

PPR Residence Hall - Swarthmore College

Discovery Center - Outward Bound & Audubon Society

Wexler Gallery

Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place - People's Emergency Center

The Cooper

Caesar Rodney Hall - University of Delaware

Jefferson School

Greene Street Friends School

Campus Bookstore & Development Office - University of Delaware

Margaret Passmore Trickey Building

Delaware History Museum

150 Rouse Boulevard

Shallcross Hall - Friends Central School

The Clay Studio

Class of 1986 Fitness and Wellness Center - Princeton University

The Study at University City

Basecamp Delta

Housing Northwest Arkansas

Arts Café Expansion & Renovation - University of Pennsylvania

Gore Capabilities Center

Dogfish Head Brews and Eats

Construction Training & Education Center

Tyler School of Art - Temple University

Library Playspace

Intercultural Engagement Center - University of Delaware

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Yards Brewery

Aqua Foro

Matchbox - Swarthmore College

Iovance Biotherapeutics

Pavilion & Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park

Gettysburg Montessori School

Edible Garden and Classroom - Tyler Arboretum

SEPTA Bus Shelters

WP Point Event Space & Lodge

Philadelphia Union Training Facility

The Global Learning Center

The Cove

201 Rouse Boulevard

351 Rouse Boulevard

Barnegat House

Courtyard House

Rural Loft

DIGSAU

340 North 12th Street

Suite 421

Philadelphia, PA 19107

v 215.627.0808

e info@digsau.com

www.instagram.com/digsau_architecture

 

 

 

Job Posting: Architect I/Designer I

We are seeking a full-time architectural designer with exceptional graphic and illustration skills along with drafting and modeling abilities. The roles and responsibilities of the Architect I/Designer I position include broad exposure to many aspects of project design and delivery, including participation in developing design concepts, creating presentation materials, working on construction documents, and assisting in construction administration.   The candidate must be a multi-tasking, detail-oriented, hard-working team player.  

View full job description here.

 

Job Posting: Architect II/Designer II

We are seeking a full time Designer II or Architect II. The successful applicant will be a self-motivated and creative problem-solver, exhibiting strong management and design skills. The roles and responsbilities of the Architect II/Designer II position include broad exposure to many aspects of project design and delivery, including participation in developing concepts, creating presentation materials, working on construction documents, and assisting in construction administration. The candidate must be adaptable and able to work to prioritizing tasks with Project Architect or Manager supervision; demonstrate an imaginative, creative and innovative design solutions to technical problems; be flexible, a motivated multi-tasker, detail-oriented, and a hard-working team player. Candidates should be fluent in digital and physical three-dimensional modeling, demonstrate strong graphic communication skills, and be passionate about design and architecture. The position requires the ability to collaborate with multiple team members, coordinate the efforts of consultants, and an ability to tackle new challenges.  

View full job description here.

 

 

If you would like to be considered for an internship or full-time position, e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and portfolio to employment@digsau.com as one PDF document.  Please limit attachments to 2MB.  We will respond to you should the appropriate opportunity be available.  No phone calls please.