Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Pa. University Breaks Ground on New STEM Building

  • By Matt Jones
  • 08/18/21

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

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.

  • Higher Ed is Betting on New Buildings While Quietly Undermining Their Campuses — Here’s Why

    In this climate, the owner’s representative has changed from a delivery-focused advisor to a strategic campus partner. Institutions are increasingly relying on owner’s reps not just to manage, cope, schedule, and budget, but also help evaluate whether a project should proceed at all.

  • University of Oklahoma Announces New Campus Master Plan

    The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., recently announced that it will soon launch a new, comprehensive Campus Master Plan to guide the campus’ physical development during the next decade, according to a news release.

  • Campus Safety Requires Using Every Resource Available

    Across the U.S., school and campus leaders are facing a security landscape that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Incidents on school property have increased in recent years, with several consecutive years setting record totals. According to analysis of data by CNN, dozens of shootings now occur on school grounds annually across K-12 and higher education environments.