University of Pittsburgh
08/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/20/2024 05:46
Here’s the latest in campus construction at Pitt
Several key construction projects across Pitt's campuses are nearing completion. These new spaces are set to enhance facilities for learning, innovation, research and wellness, transforming the campus environment into a more student-friendly and socially engaging space.
These projects are guided by the Campus Master Plan, which guides the University's efforts in sustainability, accessibility, mobility, engagement and outdoor connectivity initiatives. Using this plan, Pitt aims to increase support for academic excellence and research initiatives.
Stay informed about projects around the Pittsburgh campus by subscribing to a new newsletter from the Office of Planning, Design, and Construction. Beginning in September, you can also sign up to receive text and email alerts about construction and facility-related news. To subscribe, visit my.pitt.edu, search for NotifyU, select Opt-In Lists and check the box next to Construction and Facilities. You can also enroll by texting "Sub [your Pitt username] CAF" to 1-970-610-6092.
Keep scrolling for the latest updates.
The Eatery is open
Pitt's largest dining facility, The Eatery, located in Litchfield Towers, has completed a major renovation just in time for the start of the fall semester. The revamped facility is now designed as a social hub offering a variety of dining options for students, faculty and staff.
Among the new concepts are American comfort food, pizza and pasta, a cozy coffee shop and a variety of allergen-friendly items. In line with Pitt's sustainability goals, there's also an option for plant-forward, climate-friendly meals.
In addition to these new concepts, the renovations include a modernized kitchen and improved layout, creating more seating options. The renovations also feature a modernized kitchen and improved layout, offering more seating options. Additionally, students will notice two renovated Einstein Bros. Bagels locations in Posvar Hall and Benedum Hall, along with a refreshed coffee cart in Mervis Hall.
Upgrades to Alumni Hall
The ongoing Alumni Hall renovation includes creating a new flexible workspace for the Pitt Pathfinders, the University's student tour guides. This new space will include more than 150 custom-built cubbies with electrical outlets, a secure storage room and a spacious, light-filled lounge with moveable furniture for work and relaxation.
Additionally, the building's Auditorium Room 700, the largest on campus with 730 seats, is being upgraded with new seating, lighting, audiovisual equipment, acoustics and an accessible stage lift.
Hillman Library renovations at the home stretch
Hillman Library has been undergoing a transformation to create a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. The final phase of renovations, focusing on the new atrium entrance, is underway. Scheduled for completion in January, this phase will expand and update bathrooms and elevators and add a new computer lab, sound-controlled audio and video production spaces and a centrally located help and information desk.
[Track all active construction-related closures on map.pitt.edu]
Health and recreation spaces are on the way
The Campus Recreation and Wellness Center on O'Hara Street is progressing toward its spring completion date. The 270,000-square-foot facility will include multiple gymnasiums and fitness areas, an aquatics center, a jogging track, specialized activity spaces and dining facilities. You can track the progress from your desk with a live webcam.
Also, work continues on the Victory Heights Arena and Sports Performance Center, planned to support 16 intercollegiate athletics programs. The expandable arena, which will seat 2,500-3,000 people, is slated to be completed by 2026.
Restoring a campus icon
The 83-year-old spire, or fleche, of Heinz Memorial Chapel is undergoing a critical restoration to preserve its historical significance and ensure it can host weddings and other events for years to come. Work began with the installation of structural steel earlier this summer, and recladding of the copper panels is currently underway. The slate roof will be reinstalled in December, with the entire project slated for completion in February.
Pitt BioForge advances
Pitt BioForge, located in Hazelwood Green, is set to become a center for life sciences research and biomanufacturing for cell and gene therapies.
This specialized biomanufacturing facility - spanning 185,000 square feet and standing 67 feet tall - will bring together scientists, researchers, students and industry leaders to collaborate on cutting-edge biomedical research and technologies.
Situated on a former brownfield in Pittsburgh's Hazelwood neighborhood, BioForge will leverage Pitt's advanced biomedical research and UPMC's world-class clinical care to create a new commercial manufacturing sector in Pittsburgh. In addition to advancing biotechnology research, BioForge is designed to promote economic growth in the area, creating employment opportunities for residents and families in the Hazelwood community, the Mon Valley and the broader Pittsburgh region.
The core and shell of the building are expected to be completed by July 2025. The fit-out for ElevateBio, the facility's anchor tenant and scientific partner, is scheduled for July 2026. ElevateBio will operate a commercial gene and cell therapy biomanufacturing hub within BioForge.