Pitt approves $58 million in renovation projects

PITTSBURGH — The Property and Facilities Committee of the University of Pittsburgh's Board of Trustees has approved $58 million for five renovation and upgrade projects, highlighted by a $34 million upgrade to Clapp Hall and a $10 million upgrade to the Cathedral of Learning elevators.   The Committee also approved a lease and a sublease at the meeting.

The renovation and upgrade projects are expected to create 307 on-site construction jobs and 123 support jobs.

The elevator upgrade is the first major renovation to the elevators in the Cathedral of Learning and will feature a computerized, "destination-based" dispatch system that will reduce waiting and travel times. The new system will be more energy efficient and reduce congestion on the ground and first floors.

Clapp Hall, home to the Department of Biological Sciences, will undergo a full interior renovation, replacing all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and telecommunications systems, as well as interior finishes. All laboratories, classrooms, offices, and support spaces will be reconfigured and upgraded, and a new fire suppression system will be installed. The exterior masonry will be repointed, and the roof, windows, and doors will be replaced. The project is expected to earn LEED Silver certification once completed.

The remaining projects include a $5.5 million renovation to the 13th floor laboratory in Chevron Science Center, a $5 million upgrade to the cooling and electrical systems at the Network Operations Center at the Regional Industrial Development Corporation East, and installation of a helium recovery system in the mid-campus complex at a cost of $3.9 million.

WPXI