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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.While the three rivers are Pittsburgh’s most iconic natural feature, a second geological trait has shaped the region just as much — its hills. The region’s architecture appears perched atop impossibly steep slopes, our famed funiculars (colloquially known as inclines) ferry people up and down Mount Washington, and citizens trek more than 800 sets of public stairs that weave across the city. Soon, the University’s Pittsburgh campus will boast another groundbreaking approach to this challenging topography: Panther Overlook.
Panther Overlook encompasses almost two acres of steep hillside nestled between Utterback Drive and O’Hara Street. Devised as part of the first Campus Master Plan, the nationally recognized design will transform the previously troublesome and unused terrain into a unifying pathway between upper and lower campus, boasting views and social spaces worth pursuing on their own.
The Office of Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) collaborated with David Rubin Land Collective to approach the steep hillside as a whole, creating a cohesive plan that incorporated existing structures and new construction, including the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, Arena and Sports Performance Center and plans for additional student housing. On Sept. 24, the Property and Facilities Committee approved moving forward with the project.
“We hope the Overlook will be a tranquil place where students, staff and visitors can stroll after their day’s work is done, reconnect with nature and seeing, hearing and feeling nothing of the bustle of Oakland,” said Mark Barnett, PDC senior project manager.
Interconnected pedestrian and bicycle pathways will increase the ease of mobility when traveling the hillside. An express elevator in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center will provide an accessible route between O’Hara Street and Panther Overlook. Attention was given to creating spaces dedicated to recreation and relaxation as well. Visitors will be able to gather at various locations along the path to enjoy the view of the Cathedral of Learning while surrounded by new native landscaping.
Following Pitt’s Sustainable Landscape Design Guidelines, Panther Overlook will become another green oasis for humans, bugs and birds in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. Multiple pollinator gardens will provide necessary food and shelter year-round for native fauna. A collection of several hundred shade, ornamental and coniferous trees will add to the University’s tree canopy while providing stabilization to the hillside.
Underneath it all will be upgraded utility infrastructure, including a new stormwater collection system that will collect more than 4 million gallons of rainwater per year. This water will then be used in the campus chilled water plants, saving the University money while contributing to the goal of carbon neutrality by 2037.
“With a harmonious combination of natural, built and underground infrastructure, Panther Overlook will increase accessibility, tree cover and ecosystems by creating a new, welcoming space for people to gather and connect with nature and each other,” said Aurora Sharrard, assistant vice chancellor for sustainability.
Work is projected to begin this month and be completed in spring 2026. In the meantime, enjoy other green spaces on campus through a number of events in celebration of Campus Sustainability Month.
Renderings courtesy of Mahan Rykiel Associates