By SUSAN JONES
Pitt-related construction and renovation projects both on and off the Oakland campus are all progressing, but the most visible and anticipated building — the new Campus Recreation and Wellness Center — is quickly nearing completion.
The Office of Planning, Design & Construction says the center, which has been under construction on O’Hara Street since 2022, will open later this summer, while work on the adjacent hillside pathways and Arena and Sports Performance Center will continue into 2026.
Contractors are currently working on interior finishes of the rec center, along with the climbing wall and the installation of furniture and equipment. They also are completing the exterior sidewalks and landscaping along O’Hara Street. Solar panels are being installed on the roof, and Pitt will pursue LEED certification for the building.
Once complete, the Recreation and Wellness Center will provide a connection from O’Hara Street to the Petersen Events Center with an express elevator and Panther Run staircase. The staircase will lead to the fifth-floor entry of the rec center, which will connect to the Petersen Events Center and hillside pathways.
The upper exterior pathway will be partially finished upon opening, which will allow people to exit the building while the new connecting pathways and hillside landscaping are still being worked on.
Construction is estimated to be completed in winter 2026 on the Arena and Sports Performance Center, in the bowl next to the Pete. Recently, a solar array was installed on the roof of the building, which also will seek LEED certification. The installation of exterior metal panels, glazing and masonry continues, and work has begun on installing interior finishing such as carpeting and tiling.
The 10.9 acres of hillside development will continue the connection between the rec center, the new arena and the Petersen Events Center. The design is being finalized and sitework will begin in July. The complete hillside landscaping project, which includes social areas, seating, public art and infrastructure improvements is expected to be completed in summer of 2026.
Other projects
BioForge: The core and shell construction of the 85,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility in greater Hazelwood is progressing well and will be completed this fall. The University is pursuing LEED certification for the core and shell of BioForge.
Core and shell construction includes: exterior envelope (metal panels and final glass components); brick veneer and coping; final roofing details; solar panels; interior finishes, like door and hardware installation; final connections and start-up for air handling units, boilers, condensing units and pumps; and concrete sidewalks and final grading for parking lot and loading areas
The interior fit-out for ElevateBio, the anchor tenant at the facility, is on schedule and will continue through summer 2026.
The interior design of the BioForge Manufacturing Institute has started programming, with construction start dependent on full funding.
Fifth and Halket: The core and shell construction is nearing completion, with metal panels being installed on the new building that will primarily be the home of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. The interior construction fit-out is well underway for all floors. The fit-out of the floors will be completed in phases from winter 2025 through spring 2026. The University is pursuing LEED certification for the building.
Preservation activities
Schenley Quad facade preservation: A large project is underway to preserve the facades of the five residence halls within Schenley Quad. These buildings are designated as city of Pittsburgh historic landmarks, and preserving the integrity of the facade is key to any repair effort. Focus areas include the decorative terracotta at cornices and overall building brick structure. Investigative and design work occurred this spring. Sidewalk scaffolding and netting will be installed this summer. Repair and restoration work will occur over the next several summers.
Garage infrastructure upgrades: Major maintenance and restoration work is taking place in Pitt garages. These projects are being coordinated to limit the number of parking spaces impacted at any given time.
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Soldiers and Sailors — This project is in schematic design that will include concrete restoration, improved egress for pedestrian safety, improved entrances on both the east and west sides, new energy efficient lighting, upgraded fire protection systems and improved ventilation. Exterior landscaping and lawn areas also will be improved.
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Posvar Hall — This project will be completed in three phases, with one phase being done each summer from 2025 through 2027. Maintenance and restoration work includes new fire suppression, electrical, plumbing, energy efficient lighting and concrete work. The garage will be open before the start of the fall semester.
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Information Sciences Building — Work on the garage on North Bellefield Avenue will include the replacement of the patio and deck areas above the garage to improve this outdoor space. Maintenance and restoration work in the garage includes a new fire suppression system, electrical, plumbing, energy efficient lighting and concrete work. This is scheduled for completion in late 2025.
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OC Lot — A second, smaller phase of work will begin this summer. The lot will be available during the Maccabi games, Aug. 3 to 8, to ensure adequate parking.
Thaw Hall roof and facade: Work continues on the replacement and reconstruction of the roof and cornice areas of the building. This project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025 to early 2026.
In addition to the roof, a large project is underway to preserve the facade of Thaw Hall. This building is designated as a city of Pittsburgh historic landmark, so preserving the integrity of the facade is key to any repair effort. Focus areas include the decorative terracotta at cornices and overall brick envelope. Investigative and design work occurred this spring. Scaffolding already installed for the roof project will be utilized over the next year to complete the restoration work on the facade.
Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.
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