Pa. University Breaks Ground on New STEM Building

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pitt-Bradford), located in Bradford, Pa., recently broke ground on a new, 39,000-square-foot STEM building. According to a news release, the Engineering & Information Technologies Center will be the campus’ first new academic building in 20 years. The project comes with an estimated cost of $17.69 million, and construction is projected to be complete in late 2022.

“This is a really exciting development for Pitt-Bradford,” said Rick Esch, the campus’ interim president. “It is the first academic building that the campus has built in two decades, and it’s going to provide a state-of-the-art home for our computer information systems and technology program, energy science and technology students, and two new engineering technology programs.”

The facility will play home to the university’s Mechanical Engineering Technology, Energy Engineering Technology, Energy Science & Technology, and Computer Information Systems & Technology programs. Amenities include academic support space as well as engineering labs and shops, computer labs, the campus data center, large group classrooms, and administrative offices for faculty & staff. It will also give students access to technology like rapid prototyping machines, oscilloscopes and engineering lab stations with the goal of providing opportunities for hands-on learning.

The facility was designed by national architecture and engineering firm HED, who partnered with LGA Partners as the architect of record, interior designer and construction administrator. Rycon Construction Inc. served as the general contractor.

“Collaborative teamwork can transcend limitations,” said HED principal Chris Vogelheim, AIA. “The close collaboration between the owner and the design team enabled the creation of a building that will transform the campus. This is a signature building with a big mission to positively impact the region’s economic development through creating an inspirational place for engineering on this campus.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • 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.

  • Montclair State University Debuts New VR Facility

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently announced the completion of a new virtual reality learning facility developed in partnership with Dreamscape Learn, according to a news release. The 2,450-square-foot lab space is inside the College of Communication and Media building and will serve students pursuing careers in digital media, virtual reality, and content creation.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • How Proactive Maintenance Can Transform Athletic Facilities into Strategic Assets for College Sports

    College athletics is entering one of the most transformative periods in its history. With NIL reshaping financial models and competitive expectations, athletic departments across the country are being asked to do more than ever with increasingly constrained resources.