The
University of Pittsburgh has announced a $1 billion, 12-year facilities plan. Divided into three four-year phases, the long-range project will include campus-wide modernization, construction, renovation, and infrastructure upgrades designed to meet Pitt's teaching, research, and programmatic needs.
To support anticipated growth, the plan calls for significant renovations of older buildings, modernization of major science and research centers, technology and utility infrastructure upgrades, and classroom improvements. The plan also recommends student life improvements, new softball, soccer and marching band facilities and the creation of additional conference space. Benedum Hall, Pitt’s engineering facility, will undergo a $52 million modernization, while the Clapp complex will receive a $72 million upgrade.
“This plan is really a roadmap. The main benefit is that people have a much clearer sense about the future--they can plan on what’s going to be done, when and how it’s going to affect them,” says Robert Pack, Pitt’s vice provost for academic planning and resources management. “These are extensive building modernizations. We’ll be juggling multiple major projects.”
To develop the plan, a facilities planning committee conducted an extensive assessment of several hundred campus buildings. “Our engineering consultants had expertise in contemporary laboratory facilities. We want to modernize our labs in as flexible a way as possible. It’s a very dynamic world,” says Pack. “Every academic unit gave us a perspective on the evolution of its program over the next decade.” The plan also supports improvements to Pitt’s regional campuses.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Robert Pack, University of Pittsburgh
Photograph copyright © Dave Krieger