$5M expansion of the John P. Murtha Engineering and Science Building at UPJ at Johnstown will create 25 jobs

New Construction, Renovations to Create Hundreds of Jobs in Pittsburgh
Anthony M. Moore, amm114@pitt.edu, 412-624-8252
Filed under: Feature,Volume 49 Issue 22

At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees on June 30, the board members approved four new construction and renovation projects, including work on Alumni Hall, the Cathedral of Learning, and the Hillman Library. When joined with other approved projects, these create more than 500 construction and support jobs in Pittsburgh.

​Additionally, a $5 million expansion for the John P. Murtha Engineering and Science Building at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown will bring more than 25 jobs to that community.

Details of the projects approved at the meeting include:

• Renovation of approximately 34,600 square feet of space on the first through fourth floors as well as the seventh floor of Alumni Hall; features the construction of a 1,400 square foot mezzanine as well as presentation rooms on the first and third floors; includes interior renovations to accommodate programmatic and departmental space needs as well as the installation of seating and audio-visual equipment in the seventh floor auditorium. Estimated cost of $9 million.

• Renovation of approximately 29,000 square feet of space on the 10th and 11th floors of the Cathedral of Learning; includes installation of central air conditioning and lighting systems, replacement of the existing perimeter steam heating system and repair maintenance to the restrooms and lobby areas. Estimated cost of $9 million.

• Remodeling of approximately 30,000 square feet of space on the fourth floor, the basement and the penthouse area of the Hillman Library; includes upgrades to the electrical, fire protection, mechanical and plumbing systems as well as modifications to the elevator and stair systems, restrooms and shelving space areas. Project carries an estimated cost of $29.4 million.

• Construction of a two-story addition — approximately 7,000 square feet — to the north facade of the John P. Murtha Engineering and Science Building at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown; newly installed features will include a chemical engineering lab, simulation lab, computer classroom, five faculty offices, student collaboration space and other support spaces. Project carries an estimated cost of $5 million.

The board also previously approved a five-year lease agreement at the Bridgeside Point I Building, 100 Technology Drive, Oakland, which will generate nearly $44.3 million annually in property taxes for local government.