Local business group tours new dorm, bookstore

Pitt’s new bookstore boasts a machine that can print a textbook in less time than it takes to drink a cup of coffee.

This was just one new aspect of Pitt’s campus that about 25 members of the Oakland Business Improvement District, an association for local businesses when they toured Pitt’s campus Wednesday afternoon. During the tour, which began at 3:30 p.m., visitors saw the University Store on Fifth and got a glimpse of the new freshman dormitory, Nordenberg Hall.

OBID serves businesses and commercial property owners between Craft Avenue and South Bouquet Street and includes institutional members like Pitt and UPMC. Georgia Petropoulos Muir, OBID’s executive director, said the organization strives to keep the district competitive and strong while assisting business owners.

The tour included employees from OBID, representatives from member businesses and Pitt affiliates.

Mary Davidson Williams, OBID’s marketing and communications coordinator, said that the tour was arranged after members inquired about the new University buildings at a meeting.

“People are really enthusiastic about the change to our neighborhood,” Williams, who saw the buildings for the first time Wednesday, said.

The tour began in the University Store on Fifth, where newcomers gasped and exclaimed at the transformation of the bookstore and its new features as store manager Debra Fyock led them through the store, which includes the Espresso Book Machine, a rapid self-printing service that is also available for public use.

The renovated store also includes the “tech row” where students can purchase technology and ask Computing Services and Systems Development employees questions and obtain software and computer help. Later, it will also sell Apple products and offer repairs on them.

In the store, there is also an area where students can display their work and several seating areas. It also now carries Boots, an English cosmetic line, and plans to introduce a line of clothing.

Across the street, Jim Earle, the assistant vice chancellor of business, led the tour group through Nordenberg Hall, which will begin housing students this fall.

The 10-story structure will house 543 first-year students and 16 resident assistants on the third through 10th floors. Pitt’s Wellness Center has moved from the Medical Arts Building to the second floor of the new residence hall.

The first floor of Nordenberg Hall will be retail space that will also be open to the public. PNC Bank will move from the Schenley Quad across Fifth Avenue to a location there.

The new residence hall also includes features that haven’t appeared in others on campus. On the third floor, there are two quiet music practice booths in which students can schedule practice time so they don’t disturb their neighbors.

But for OBID and its member businesses, the retail space is the real selling point on the new freshman residence hall.

“One of the exciting things about Nordenberg Hall is that it’s going to have this open retail space,” Williams said. “And because of that, our businesses were really curious about how that’s going to interact with our neighborhood.”

In the University Store on Fifth, the front of the store has space for local vendors to display their art or other merchandise. It also includes a large section for books to read for pleasure, a children’s section and a Starbucks Cafe that aren’t specifically geared towards students.

Muir noted that retail hasn’t crossed over to the northern side of Fifth Avenue for a long time in Oakland’s history, making this an important step.

“The businesses really thrive off our university community,” Williams said.

https://pittnews.com/index.php/newsx/70633-the-book-center-renovates-improves-service-to-students

https://pittnews.com/index.php/newsx/70667-new-dorm-on-track-for-july-completion

https://pittnews.com/index.php/newsx/70233-pitt-surprised-chancellor-with-dorm-in-his-name

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Williams described a typical OBID member as a small independent business like Dave and Andy’s Ice Cream Shop though the organization also houses institutional members such as the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, and Carlow University.

The 559-bed //earlier you said 543 will live there. which is correct?// dormitory also places more students within reach of the business district.

“Bringing over 500 students within walking distance of the business district, that’s fantastic. Your students are our customers, so business owners are loving that,” Muir said.

Each residential floor has 72 beds divided into a North and South wing. Every wing has its own common bathroom and therefore floors will be divided into wings by gender depending on the enrollment ratio each year. Students will reside in double and triple rooms. Resident assistants will have the only singles in the building.

Each wing features an open lobby in the corridor that encourages freshmen to interact and engage with one another, along with a silent study room. Students will also have access to a patio overlooking Bellefield Church, a fitness center on the third floor, and an indoor bike storage facility.

“I’m really stunned by how many different things were thought about with the dormitory how to make it a great experience for freshmen their first year,” Williams said.

Each room will include a flat screen television, a microwave, and a refrigerator. There will be hallway phones only and in-room phones have been done away with.