Pitt Property and Facilities Committee Approves Renovation Projects and Lease Agreement

PITTSBURGH—The Property and Facilities Committee of the University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees has approved renovation projects within five Pitt facilities, with an estimated total cost of $26,970,000. The Committee also approved a lease agreement on behalf of the School of Medicine’s Aging Institute.

The approved projects will create 135 construction and 54 support jobs. The lease agreement will generate $44,299.69 annually in property taxes for local government.

Details of the University’s approved projects follows:

• Renovation of approximately 22,050 gross square feet of space on the first and fourth floors of Posvar Hall. The first-floor project includes the construction of three high-functioning lecture halls for classroom instruction, which will add windows for natural light and reduce the amount of outside noise entering the facility. The project also will provide new study space adjacent to the new classrooms. The fourth-floor project provides the Center for Urban Education with a more efficient floor plan, enhanced audiovisual systems, upgraded mechanical systems and energy efficient lighting. The projects, in aggregate, carry an estimated cost of $10,200,000.

• Remodeling of approximately 7,120 gross square feet of space on the fourth and fifth floors of Scaife Hall. The project includes the construction of a two-story window entrance, clearing of space for a new student lounge with amenities and replacing the existing escalator with a new staircase to reduce energy footprint. The project carries an estimated cost of $5,970,000.

• Renovation of approximately 20,000 gross square feet of space on the second floor of Victoria Hall. The project will modernize and enhance Pitt’s teaching and skills labs by providing the School of Nursing with three simulation labs, a recording studio, a 20-bed skills lab, a telehealth lab and student study areas. The project carries an estimated cost of $4,800,000.

• Replacement of electrical equipment within the Chevron Science Center. The project will install a main breaker and feeder breakers as well as distribution wiring and panels. This will improve the reliability and resiliency of the building’s electrical distribution system. The project carries an estimated cost of $3,400,000.

• Renovation of approximately 7,900 gross square feet of space on the 17th floor of the Cathedral of Learning. The project will allow for the consolidation of Pitt’s financial operations onto one floor for increased synergy and collaboration, improve environmental conditions for the floor, provide more energy efficient lighting and upgrade the restrooms and lobby areas. The project carries an estimated cost of $2,600,000.

Details of the University’s approved lease agreement follows:

• Beginning Sept. 1, 2017, the School of Medicine will begin a five-year lease agreement for approximately 12,000 square feet on the fourth floor of the Bridgeside Point One Building, 100 Technology Drive, Oakland. The space will be used for a laboratory and offices for the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh.

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4/21/17/amm/jw