DIG makes Lehigh Valley debut with Allentown School District’s family/community resource center
- MAREJ
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
The 13,750 s/f, two-story community hub is designed to be a “one-stop shop”
ALLENTOWN, PA — In a milestone that signals a new era of community-centric school design in the region, DIGroup Architecture (DIG) and the Allentown School District (ASD) have officially broke ground on the first-of-its-kind Family & Community Resource Center. Located at 265 Lehigh St., on the campus of Bridgeview Academy of Health, Science, Innovation, and Technology, the project marks DIG’s first school-related Architect-of-Record assignment in the Lehigh Valley Region.
The 13,750 s/f, two-story community hub is designed to be a “one-stop shop” for students and families. By centralizing student enrollment alongside vital health, workforce development and educational services, the center aims to eliminate one-time systemic barriers to facilitate and support family success and student achievement.
“DIG was founded on the premise that great architecture is a right, not a privilege, and should profoundly impact community equity and wellness,” said DIG’s principal Swarupa Samant. “To have our first major assignment in the Lehigh Valley be a project as visionary as the Allentown School District’s Family & Community Resource Center is a privilege. This building is designed to bridge the gap between education and essential human services, creating a welcoming and compassionate ‘front door’ for every family entering the district.”
Designed to respond directly to the holistic needs of the surrounding community, the facility’s key features include:
• Integrated Health Services: The center will be a resource for physical, dental and mental health services, as well as immunizations and telehealth.
• Workforce & Adult Education: In collaboration with the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, the facility offers dedicated space for ESL classes, resume building and career resources.
• Streamlined Enrollment: The center will house the District’s central registration staff, relocating this vital administrative function into a supportive, community-centered environment.
Partially funded through a Multi-Purpose Community Facilities grant, the $11M project is slated for completion in December 2026. DIG is eliminating once-inherent barriers to entry and streamlining access to essential services that enhance overall quality of life for all residents.
