Pittsburgh Playhouse Opens at Point Park University

The new Pittsburgh Playhouse continues Point Park University’s long tradition of historic preservation and creative reuse, incorporating two historic structures: the University Center originally designed by Frederick J. Osterling for the Colonial Trust Company, and the Stock Exchange Building, originally designed by prominent architect Charles M. Bartberger. Careful to consider the aesthetic of its location, DLR Group|WRL designers created an exterior façade that complements the Playhouse’s historic Pittsburgh, PA, setting architecturally.

Pittsburgh Playhouse

Situated on 1.5 acres at the university’s downtown Pittsburgh campus, the 90,411-square-foot complex is a substantial addition. The project features three new theaters: a 550-seat proscenium/thrust main stage and multi-form 212-seat “transformational thea­ter,” both of which feature variable enclosures that allow each venue to play to its urban neighborhood, and a 102-seat black box venue. It also houses a sound stage, scenery shop, prop shop, paint shop, costume shop, television studio, scenic design and general classrooms, rehearsal halls, acting studios, classrooms, and faculty offices as well as public amenities such as lobbies, concessions, ticket/business office, and performer support. Other labs and shops and studios are exposed to the internal circulation system and to the street itself, communicating the vitality of making, fabrication, experimentation, and creativity.

Featured

  • University of Mary Washington Selects Builder for New Theater, Dance Facility

    The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., recently announced that it has selected construction and development firm Skanska to lead a series of renovations and upgrades to fine arts facilities, according to a news release.

  • Missouri K–12 District Cuts Ribbons on Two New Middle Schools

    Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Mo., recently celebrated the completion of two new middle school facilities with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, according to a district news release. The district officially opened the new Pipkin Middle School and Reed Academy on Sept. 3, both of which were funded through the $220-million Proposition S bond program approved by voters in 2023.

  • Texas A&M Opens First Building at Fort Worth Campus, Breaks Ground on Research Facility

    The Texas A&M University System marked a major milestone in the development of its Fort Worth campus by opening its first completed academic building and breaking ground on a second facility designed to expand research and industry collaboration.

  • Missouri Child Development Center Completes $2.3M Expansion

    The Urban Sprouts Child Development Center in St. Louis, Mo., recently announced the completion of a $2.3-million expansion and adaptive reuse project, according to a news release. The new space includes a retail café, outdoor learning space, and a support office building.