Pitt Property and Facilities Committee Approves Bigelow Boulevard/William Pitt Union Updates Plus Other Improvements

PITTSBURGH—The Property and Facilities Committee of the University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees today approved six major initiatives, including the transformation of Bigelow Boulevard between Fifth and Forbes avenues and the William Pitt Union (WPU) grounds to improve safety, expand accessibility, upgrade utility infrastructure and enhance the sustainability of the campus hub.

Through a partnership with the City of Pittsburgh that has been in development since 2017, the University will reconfigure Bigelow Boulevard vehicular lanes to improve traffic flow and safety, install improved bike lanes and create a safer, more efficient central crossing connecting the WPU and Cathedral of Learning.

The $23.7 million project, scheduled to start Nov. 1, 2019, and be completed in August 2020, will enhance the streetscape and landscape along Bigelow and the WPU grounds and improve stormwater management. The project also includes crucial upgrades to improve the resiliency of Pitt’s aging utility infrastructure, which will enable future projects in the University’s campus master plan.

Mavis Rainey, executive director of the Oakland Transportation Management Association, said:

“Bigelow Boulevard is a major throughway for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and motorists. The planned multimodal improvements will enhance the safety of the street, making it more accommodating for all users, including those needing accessible parking for shuttle and individual pick-ups and drop-offs.”

The WPU grounds enhancement will improve accessibility, replace the driveway and hardscape with a more sustainable surface, upgrade lighting, expand outdoor seating and create improved outdoor gathering space for student activities and events.

“Our master plan goals include creating a more connected campus that is not only beautiful, but also easy to navigate,” said Mary Beth McGrew, Pitt’s assistant vice chancellor of campus planning. “This project will fulfill a long-term goal of connecting the Cathedral of Learning with the center of student life on campus. Simultaneously, working through all these improvements will mean a more efficient project with less disruption.”

Bigelow project updates will be provided via a new website.

Other committee actions

In other business, the Property and Facilities Committee approved five other initiatives for the Pittsburgh and Johnstown campuses:

Scaife Hall (Pittsburgh campus)

Modernization of Scaife Hall, the home of the University’s School of Medicine: Phase 1 of the project includes a 104,800-square-foot, seven-story West Wing addition that will house a 600-seat, state-of-the-art lecture auditorium, classrooms, teaching labs, a simulation center and a new anatomy lab. This addition will be located on the corner of Terrace and Lothrop streets. This first phase is proposed for August 2019 through December 2021.

Biomedical Science Tower (Pittsburgh campus)

Replacement of the existing chilled water cooling tower at the Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower (BST): The new unit will expand capacity, operational flexibility and reliability to the buildings currently served by the BST chilled water plant, as well as planned future expansion. The proposed timing is July 2019 through April 2020.

Pittsburgh Athletic Association building (Pittsburgh campus)

Fifteen-year lease and interior improvements for the 30,199-square-foot former Pittsburgh Athletic Association building on Fifth Avenue: The lease, estimated to begin June 1, 2020, will support the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) for approximately five years. The LRDC is relocating as part of the campus master plan, which places the planned Recreation and Wellness Center on the site of LRDC’s current location on O’Hara Street.

Riviera Building (Pittsburgh campus)

Fifteen-year lease, estimated to begin January 1, 2020, for the 12,408-square-foot Riviera Building on Technology Drive: This lease will support the expansion of the School of Medicine’s Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory. This lab plays a crucial role in supporting immunotherapy trials at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. 

Living-Learning Center (Johnstown campus)

Repairs and updates to the Living-Learning Center, a residence hall that houses 400 upper-class students: Improvements will address the heating and ventilation systems, renovation of residence hall bathrooms and updates to room finishes, along with upgrades to the electrical, lighting, Wi-Fi and data systems. The work is expected to occur in multiple phases between July 2019 and January 2021.

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