University Times

The former Pitt Tavern on Fifth Avenue could be torn down within a month, if the University can reach an agreement with a demolition contractor.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management Tom Hussey told the University Senate's plant utilization and planning committee (PUP) on Dec. 4 that the tavern site needs to be cleared because the buildings on it are in "terrible shape and could cause problems over the winter." Once the site, which along with the Pitt Tavern includes the former Burger King and Your Campus Store, is cleared, grass will be planted on the vacant lot.

Located between Oakland Avenue and Bouquet Street, across from the Litchfield Towers dormitories, the tavern site has been proposed for the construction of a student housing facility.

Hussey did not know the status of the proposed housing project, but Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business John DeVitto told the University Times that a housing facility still is being considered for the site.

"There are a lot of things still going on with that," DeVitto said. "One of the things that we need to do, though, is demolish those buildings. We figure we might as well go ahead and demolish them now from an aesthetics and safety point of view." According to DeVitto, the Office of Business and Finance had hoped to have a housing project approved for the site by the end of the year, but now does not expect that will happen until early in 1996.

By demolishing the Pitt Tavern and adjacent buildings now, DeVitto said, the University not only will remove a possible safety hazard and make the site more aesthetically pleasing, but will save on real estate taxes. He added that a vacant lot also might make the site more appealing to developers.

Exactly when the demolition will start depends on the University reaching an agreement with a demolition contractor. Bids on tearing down the buildings were submitted by contractors over a year ago. Hussey said the University is now checking with the low bidder to find out if the company would be willing to do the work for the amount bid.

Because of those negotiations and the possible need to approach another contractor, Hussey declined to say what it might cost to demolish the buildings. PUP member Tom Anderson, however, reported estimates of approximately $300,000. After the meeting, Hussey said the low bid was under that figure.

Also at the Dec. 4 PUP meeting: * Hussey reported that the Office of Facilities Management is continuing to study the construction of a high-rise addition to Hillman Library between the library and Forbes Quadrangle.

Construction of an addition to Hillman Library is one of the state Jump Start projects designed by former Governor Robert Casey to stimulate Pennsylvania's economy.

Because of the addition's status as a Jump Start project, Hussey said, the state must give architects the go-ahead to begin work on the addition. He told PUP approval is expected this week.

* PUP supported a suggestion by member Anderson to compile a list of capital projects planned by the University and review their relationship to Pitt's master space plan, capital budget and long-term goals.

Anderson urged PUP to undertake the review as a way of becoming more pro-active. He said PUP, which is comprised of individuals from throughout the University community, makes a good sounding board for projects.

Anderson said PUP could assist the University Planning and Budgeting Committee, a group of faculty, staff and administrators who advise senior administrators on budgeting matters and long-range planning, in considering capital projects.

–Mike Sajna