University Times

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services has awarded a $6 million contract to the engineering and interior design firm of IKM, Inc. for renovation work on Alumni Hall.

The project is part of Pitt's master space plan and is designed to provide additional space for the chemistry department located in the nearby Chevron Science Center. According to interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management Ana Guzman, $4 million of the cost of the project will be paid by the state and $2 million will be paid by the University.

Guzman said the work will be done in two phases; the first phase will start in September 1998. Phase two will not start until a planned multi-purpose academic complex (MPAC) is built on Forbes Avenue between Oakland Avenue and Bouquet Street. No date has been set for the start of that project.

MPAC will delay the start of phase two in Alumni Hall because some current tenants of the building will move into MPAC, Guzman said.

Phase one work in Alumni Hall will include electrical, fire protection and other infrastructure upgrades, as well as the renovation of a portion of the first floor. Phase two will complete renovation of the remainder of the building, according to Guzman.