Big construction projects and historic renovations ahead this summer

By SUSAN JONES

Many of this summer’s Pitt construction projects, including the Campus Wellness and Recreation Center and the new Arena and Sports Performance Center, should come as no surprise since they were started with much fanfare, but some other smaller, but still significant, projects are getting attention as well.

On May 16, the Board of Trustees Property and Facilities Committee approved funding for four projects and the lease of space at UPMC Mercy. They include:

Hillman Library renovation, phase 4: Work has already begun on this final phase of the reinvention of Hillman Library and is expected to be completed by December 2024. It includes upgrading approximately 100,000 square feet of the ground floor, which has been closed since January. The project also will involve constructing a new entry atrium at the corner of the building closest to the Cathedral of Learning; creating a new stairway connecting the ground and first floors; upgrading the building core, including all restrooms and elevators; and completing infrastructure improvements to mechanical, electrical, lighting and data distribution systems. The renovated space also will get new finishes, furniture and space reconfigurations.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Business & Operations earlier said the work on the building’s core “will be phased to minimize the number of elevators and restrooms under construction at any one given time, ensuring restrooms and an elevator remain accessible.” The Property and Facilities Committee approved the fourth phase of the project at an estimated cost of $69 million.

The total spending approved for the library project is $130 million, covering all four phases. Phases I to III were completed under budget, with savings used to offset some of the Phase IV cost, according to a Business & Operations spokesperson. The project also created 499 construction and support jobs.

Thaw Hall cornice

Thaw Hall roof replacement: Thaw Hall is the oldest building on the Oakland campus that was built specifically for the University. It was completed in 1910 and is a contributing property to the Schenley Farms National Historic District. It has been named a historic landmark by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.

During a recent laboratory renovation, significant deterioration was found in the original concrete roof deck that supports the building’s copper roof, requiring replacement of the roof and cornice at an estimated cost of $14 million.

The proposed project will replace the concrete deck with a steel deck structure, finished with a copper exterior; remove and replace the metal soffit; and inspect the granite fascia stone and repair as required. The original terracotta cornice will be salvaged to the greatest extent possible, and reinstalled to its original configuration; while the unsalvageable sections will be replaced with a molded replica.

Regional Biocontainment Laboratory: The lab in the Center for Vaccine Research was established in 2008; and some of the infrastructure and facilities have begun to degrade.

The committee approved upgrades to the laboratory in BST3, at a cost of $7.5 million. The project will include upgrades to exhaust systems, biocontainment flooring, equipment and controls, fire protection and security systems; installation of energy efficient lighting and space reconfigurations; and casework reconfigurations and rack systems.

Bradford Campus Kessel Athletic Complex: The 30-acre site consists of eight tennis courts, a baseball field, softball field, two soccer fields, and ancillary support facilities. Pitt plans to upgrade the complex to provide a venue compliant with NCAA, Division III regulations and comparable to other institutions within the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, of which Pitt­–Bradford is a part.

The project approved by the committee at a cost of $6.5 million will replace the main multipurpose, natural turf field with a new synthetic turf field; install storm water collection and retention systems and potable water infrastructure; add new walkways, fencing and field lighting; and expand the parking lot.

Dave DeJong, senior vice chancellor for business & operations, said the improvements will provide a valuable tool for recruiting and retaining student-athletes, which is an important factor in campus enrollment.

Leasing space at UPMC Mercy: Pitt plans to lease approximately 110,000 square feet in the new UPMC Mercy Pavilion, 1622 Locust St., for use by the School of Medicine’s Departments of Ophthalmology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for 10 years beginning on Aug. 1, 2023, with total rent of approximately $92 million. The relocated departments will be adjacent to the UPMC Vision Institute and UPMC Rehabilitation Institute.

Other projects

Scaife Hall: The primary work on Allen Magee Scaife Hall — including a 104,800-square-foot, seven-story West Wing addition — was officially completed in late April, but that doesn’t mean the project is finished.

Phase II will modernize approximately 47,400 square feet on four floors of the existing building to upgrade teaching and student spaces including lecture halls, laboratories and group study spaces, in addition to incorporating the WISER Institute, serving as a hub for the six schools of the Health Sciences

Phase II was originally approved in 2021 at $30 million. The WISER Institute expansion, approved in 2022, added $2 million to the project, which is slated to be completed by summer 2024.

Campus Recreation and Wellness Center: Work will continue this summer on the 270,000-square-foot building on O’Hara Street. Construction officially began in fall 2022 for the $250 million project, which is supposed to open in fall 2024. Check out the project’s website for a daily view of how far along the project is.

Arena and Sports Performance Center: This project was approved in November 2022 at a cost of $240 million. Prep work is ongoing at the site next to Petersen Events Center, which will include a 2,500-seat arena and training facilities for 16 of Pitt’s sports teams. It is scheduled to be completed fall 2025.

The Eatery renovation: Construction began this month in The Eatery on the ground floor of Litchfield Towers. The $27.5 million project is targeted for completion in fall 2024. The renovation will be completed in phases with The Eatery continuing to be open for service. Dining concepts will go offline and be reactivated in segments throughout the 2023-24 academic year. See the project’s website for more details.

Infrastructure improvements: Work continues on the new chilled water plant on the upper campus; hillside area development; Posvar chiller plant upgrades and stormwater retention at Mazeroski Field.

Restoring history

Three more projects this summer involve restoring or replicating historic areas of campus.

Heinz Chapel Fleche: Work to inspect the spire or “fleche” of Heinz Chapel, which extends approximately 120 feet above the ridge of the high roof, first began in November 2021. The inspections found that the spire, which was built in 1938, had significant deterioration of the underlying structural steel.

The Trustees committee approved a $11.5 million project that will remove the copper panels covering the structural steel and transport to an off-site location for inspection and repair; repair or replace the damaged and corroded structural steel, including sandblasting it and coating it with an epoxy to prevent corrosion; replace the copper panels; replace the slate roof with the original historic slate; and finally remove scaffolding and restore any damaged landscaping.

The work is not expected to impact events inside the chapel.

Schenley Quad stepsSchenley Quadrangle steps: The steps from Forbes Avenue to Schenley Quad feature a stone balustrade. The height of this balustrade is not compliant with code so there is a plan to raise the balusters. There are other sections where the balusters will be replicated to add additional safety on the main Schenley Quad level. The project will be presented to the Historic Review Commission for review and approval.

University Club Terrace: The outdoor fourth floor terrace of the University Club will undergo a renovation, which includes stabilizing and repairing the historic railing, replacing a failing roof and saturated substrate under the existing pavers and adding lighting. After repair, the historic railing will need to be raised by 9.5 inches to allow for proper structural attachment, and necessary insulation and waterproofing to be installed at the lower terrace. The project will be presented to the Historic Review Commission for review and approval.

Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.

 

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