University Club (University of Pittsburgh) - Renovation

Renovation

Following acquisition of the University Club, the University of Pittsburgh conducted a $20.2 million renovation designed by Landmark Design Associates with Massaro Corporation serving as the general contractor. The renovation converted the University Club for use as a faculty club, banquet and conference facility, and for housing for families of hospital patients. The building features a grand lobby with a curved staircase, a ballroom with a 600-pound crystal chandelier, high ceilings, a library room, and 10-foot-tall (3.0 m) windows with sweeping views of the university campus. The renovation plans called for the grand lobby to remain, but renovations were to be conducted in the lounge area on the first floor. Floors 1-4 were to become a 4,000-square-foot (370 m2) faculty club, 4,000-square-foot (370 m2) fitness center, 18,000-square-foot (1,700 m2) conference and banquet facility, 4,000-square-foot (370 m2) kitchen facility, coffee shop, and 8,000 square feet (740 m2) of offices. The upper floors, five through eight, have 48 guest rooms that are rented to Family House, which helps families of hospital patients with housing. Renovation was completed and the club reopened on April 1, 2009.

Members-only faculty and staff club facilities include the College Lounge for bar and casual food and the University Club’s library and reading room, which are located on the first floor, as well as the Fraternity Grill for higher-end dining, located on the second floor. A professionally-managed fitness center will be located in the basement of the building and will have separate areas for aerobics, strength and exercise equipment.

Publicly accessible facilities include a first-floor Brioche Dorée French Café, banquet facilities on the second floor suited for wedding receptions and other large gatherings, second- and third-floor small and large meeting or break-out rooms available to the University and outside communities, and a restored roof terrace that will host special events.

In addition, space was renovated to accommodate the Office of Research, previously located in Thackeray Hall, as well as flexible conference facilities to accommodate up to 300 people. The building will serve within the university's educational mission with the presence of Family House, which will provide learning and outreach opportunities for students and faculty in Pitt’s Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Social Work. Graduate students in health and physical activity will also be among the health coaches working in the fitness center.