Barton Malow

Campus Recreation + Wellness Center

University of Pittsburgh

Exterior Rendering Pitt RWC

Located at the former site of a parking garage and classroom, 3921 O’Hara Street is being reimagined as a stunning nine-story Campus Recreation and Wellness Center for the University of Pittsburgh. The building’s purpose is described by Pitt as greater than the athletic-focused programming within. A prominent outdoor plaza and stairway will connect the lower campus with the upper hillside as part of the University master plan, in addition to serving the local community as a convenient pathway connecting the two portions of campus, addressing accessibility issues on “Cardiac Hill.” Watch the live construction web camera here to view current project progress.

This 276,000-SF Rec + Wellness Center will feature the following amenities:  

  • “Sky Track” Running Path 
  • Stress-Free and Wellbeing Program Spaces 
  • Multi-Activity Courts (Basketball and Volleyball) 
  • E-Sports Suite 
  • Six-Lane Fitness Pool 
  • Climbing Wall and Bouldering Area 
  • Multipurpose Rooms 
  • Multiple Fitness Areas 
  • Locker Rooms  
  • Lobby and Juice Bar 
  • Green Roof 
Campus Rec + Wellness Center steel decking
Steel progress Spring 2024

Five Story Walkout

When completed, the Pitt Campus Rec + Wellness Center will be nine stories high from O’Hara street and five stories from Dammond Drive. Barton Malow is navigating the steep topography with JV partner, Mascaro, having broken ground in June 2022. Preparing the steep grade requires vigilant safety protocols and coordination in this tight urban setting. Everything from the rock profile and minimizing vibrations to material deliveries poses a challenge to the team from both a construction and logistical standpoint. With a focus on good communication and planning, our crew is navigating multiple ongoing construction infrastructure improvements projects which transverse our jobsite, occupied buildings to the east and west, and a busy city street to the south.  

To learn more about our Education portfolio from student wellness centers like this to multi-use academic buildings, visit theHigher Education Market page.