Board OKs construction projects

Pitt will continue with $29 million of various construction projects, renovating both its… Pitt will continue with $29 million of various construction projects, renovating both its Oakland and satellite campuses. The Property and Facilities Committee reported to Pitt’s Board of Trustees Friday that it would continue with planned construction projects that will cost about $29 million. Board member John Pelusi reported that the committee approved four leases and seven construction projects in its November meeting. The projects, he said, will create 206 on-site construction jobs, 82 off-site jobs, $58,000 in city business taxes and $114,000 in real estate taxes. In the report to the full board, Pelusi noted that Executive Vice Chancellor Jerome Cochran attended the committee’s November meeting and acknowledged that the University needed to re-evaluate the timing of some of its projects. Cochran said the seven approved projects have progressed far enough that it’s ‘in the University’s best interest’ to carry them out. The construction projects, and their costs, include: William Pitt Union – $1.5 million, to renovate the fifth floor of the Union to construct conference rooms, a lounge area, a multipurpose room, and to upgrade the restrooms and heating and air conditioning systems for the fifth and sixth floors. Amos Hall – $9 million, to upgrade 55,000 square feet of the building that houses many of Pitt’s sororities. Workers will upgrade the dorm’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, replace its heating systems and add air conditioning, among other things. Van de Graaff Building – $6.1 million, to renovate the Van de Graaff Building. Step 1 of the project includes renovating 1,900 square feet to expand the University’s nanoscience initiative and upgrading the building’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Greensburg Campus Recreation Center – $2.6 million, the University will build a 3,000-square-foot addition to Chambers Hall for a fitness center. It will also turn racquetball courts into a locker room and coaches’ offices. Mid-Campus Complex – $3.9 million, the University will add a 1,000-kilowatt diesel emergency generator to the Mid-Campus Complex, which includes the Van de Graaff Building, Space Research Coordination Center, Old Engineering Hall, Thaw Hall and Allen Hall. Robinson Court Property – $14.3 million, Step 1 involves purchasing 12.5 vacant acres of land on Robinson and Carrillo streets. South Loop Steam Distribution System – $5.6 million, Step 1 includes redesigning the steam condensate collection system for campus buildings and UPMC. The committee approved leases between Pitt and Armstrong Development, the Bakery Square Office, Roam Investments and UPMC.