Add as a preferred source on Google

University of Pittsburgh to Build New Recreation Center

  • By Matt Jones
  • 01/19/22

Construction on a new Campus Recreation and Wellness Center at the University of Pittsburgh is underway. The project is part of a wider Campus Master Plan that was finalized in 2019 and will provide amenities like a recreational pool, jogging track, basketball courts, weightlifting equipment and more. The facility has an estimated size of about 270,000 square feet and will stand nine stories tall, according to a news release.

“It’s going to be in the heart of campus. People who live on upper campus tend to go to the Baierl and Petersen Events Center, and people who live on lower campus tend to go to the William Pitt Union Gym,” said Kaylea Gallagher, a biology sophomore and member of the university dance team. “We both will get to meet in the middle, and based off what they’re saying, I think it’s going to allow for everyone to get what they need right in one place.”

The new recreation center will stand on the site of the former Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), whose demolition kicked off the third phase of the Campus Master Plan last August. Groundbreaking for the new rec center is scheduled for spring 2022, with an estimated completion date of fall 2024.

“This project began with listening to students, and their voices were loud and clear,” said University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “They wanted better recreational opportunities and experiences at Pitt. From day one, we’ve made it a priority to engage students as true partners in planning the center and bringing our shared vision to life.”

The building is also set to include sustainability initiatives like natural light and energy efficiency, sustainable stormwater management and elements of biophilic design. According to a news release, it will conform to the standards set by the Pitt Sustainability Plan released in 2018. The facility will also seek LEED certification.

Other wellness initiatives in the space include meditation spaces, yoga spaces and dining options. Kaylea Gallagher called the wellness initiatives “helpful” beyond the amenities of a traditional gym. “Especially during studying and with college academics, it’s important to be able to take care of yourself when you have free time, and I think it will provide a lot of benefits to students,” Gallagher said.

Renderings of the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center are available on the University of Pittsburgh website.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • Kenall Introduces Millenium Flair Series

    In a move aimed at modernizing institutional lighting without compromising on durability or performance, Kenall has launched its new Millenium Flair series, according to the Kenall website.

  • FAU Starts Construction on Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building

    Florida Atlantic University recently began construction on a new academic building for its campus in Boca Raton, Fla., according to university news. The Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building will stand two stories, measure in at 22,000 square feet, and play home to the university’s Holocaust education and Jewish studies programs.

  • Brightly Software, XOi Partner for New HVAC Data Solution

    Siemens company Brightly Software recently announced a partnership with data intelligence company XOi to integrate real-time HVAC system data into Brightly’s Asset Essentials CMMS, according to a news release. The integration will allow facilities more insight into HVAC system performance, health, and risk across their operations.

Digital Edition