Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects provided pro-bono architectural design/interiors/construction coordination services to renovate the former medical office building into a new education hub, which the York County Literacy Council moved into at the end of 2020.
An American flag hangs in the window, where streams of natural daylight reflect shades of red and blue onto the desks inside. For the many people who have entered the York County Literacy Council in the past year, that flag represents opportunity.
It’s a reminder of how far they’ve come and what they are working so hard to achieve.
But beyond the many folks who are learning English as a Second Language, the York County Literacy Council helps others complete their GED, find job training opportunities, or connect to other impactful resources.
So much of that has been provided in a newly renovated - clean, dignified space, with the technology that allows learning to continue in hybrid or virtual formats. It says: “You matter.”
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That’s exactly what Executive Director Bobbi Anne DeLeo wanted. For the past year, the Literacy Council has found that — and more — in its new home at 1416 Sixth Avenue in Springettsbury Township. It was the former office space for UPMC Memorial staff before the Literacy Council moved there in December 2020.
“The biggest benefit is a clean, fresh, and professional space for adults in York County to achieve their educational goals,” DeLeo says. “The setting is uplifting and provides dignity for those who are seeking to improve their skills.”
Community effort
At the time, Frank E. Dittenhafer II, President and co-founder of Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, was a board member of the York County Literacy Council, and he led a task force that had the purpose of finding a new home for the agency.
The Council’s former office space at 800 E. King Street barely served the Literacy Council’s needs. It had small classrooms, staff working in the hallways, boxes everywhere, and a breakroom that became a classroom when needed.
Not only did the new office in the Graham Capital Building provide a dignified space, but it was an opportunity for the Literacy Council to grow new relationships. Today, other agencies host meetings in the space, and the Literacy Council hopes to grow this as an opportunity that can benefit others.
A full-service library offers literature for those hoping to improve their language skills, seek citizenship, or to research other resources. Staff have their own office space, allowing them the opportunity to focus on the tasks that are meaningful to the organization. There also are private study spaces for students who need to prepare for exams.
‘A wonderful privilege’
One of the biggest improvements was classrooms that are now outfitted with the technology that allows classes to continue even in the pandemic. Many classes have been hosted via Zoom in the past two years, and donated SMART boards allows instructors to share information more easily.
And something as simple as a break room – dedicated only for staff use – has provided a significant positive change for the organization.
“It’s a wonderful privilege to serve so many in our community,” DeLeo says. “This space and the efforts of Frank Dittenhafer and his team made all the difference. I’m excited to see what’s yet to come.”
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects took on the Architecture, Interior Design, & Overall Project Management for the new Bedford Elementary School, and the outcome is impactful.