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

  • Mesa West Capital Provides Loan to Refinance University of Georgia Residence Complex

    Mesa West Capital recently announced that it has provided a $133.9-million, short-term, first mortgage loan to developer LV Collective (“LV”) to refinance a student housing complex near the University of Georgia, according to a news release. Rambler Athens, a 750-bed residence hall adjacent to the campus, was completed in August 2024.

  • Minnesota High School Completes $226M Addition, Renovation Project

    White Bear Lake Area High School – North Campus in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $226-million renovation and addition project, according to a news release. The district partnered with Kraus-Anderson for the project’s construction, which involved creating a single high-school site for the White Bear Lake Area School District.

  • Kimball International Launches Season 5 of Alternative Design Podcast

    Commercial furnishings manufacturer Kimball International recently premiered the fifth season of its Alternative Design podcast, according to a news release. The first episode was released on March 17, and new episodes will launch monthly. The podcast discusses forces that shape built environments, from work to housing to healthcare to human wellness.

  • Nonprofit Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), according to a news release. CLIMB’s ultimate purpose is to help higher-education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes by providing tools, frameworks, and support.