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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.In line with the Plan for Pitt, the University of Pittsburgh will update its Campus Master Plan (CMP). The updated plan, which will be completed by the end of 2025, will reflect the University’s commitments to sustainability, accessibility, mobility, engagement and outdoor connectivity initiatives.
Established in 2019, the CMP is a living document that guides campus development in alignment with University priorities, community needs and evolutions in higher education. As a guiding document among Pitt’s Institutional Plans, it was originally crafted over two years with input from faculty, staff, students and residents and serves as a foundation to support academic excellence and elevate Pitt’s overall student experience.
“We look forward to building on our strengths through the Campus Master Plan update process, ensuring the plan continues to provide a welcoming campus environment where students, faculty and staff can thrive,” said David DeJong, senior vice chancellor for business and operations.
Pitt’s Office of Planning, Design and Construction is leading the effort and has brought on the design consulting firm, Sasaki, to develop the plan based on Pitt’s internal needs and the impacts of societal changes, such as those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This campus plan update comes at a great pivot point for Pitt,” said Vice Chancellor for Planning, Design and Construction Gina Bleck. “The construction on the hillside for the Arena and Sports Performance Center and Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be transformational. Bringing that energy into the urban campus fabric will enliven the spirit of Pitt, the neighborhood of Oakland, Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Planning, Design and Construction is excited to be a part of this and its impact on the region.”
The CMP update will be developed over four phases:
- Phase I (through June) — with the launch of the initiative website, which will be updated throughout the process — will focus on gathering insights and data to guide the plan’s direction.
- In Phase II (July-December), Pitt will conduct targeted outreach and involve the CMP Steering Committee to refine the plan’s conceptual framework.
- During Phase III (January-April 2025), stakeholder input will drive the development of actionable recommendations to enhance the plan.
- A comprehensive CMP draft will be developed, then reviewed by and presented to the Board of Trustees during Phase IV (May-December 2025).
Pitt’s Institutional Master Plan (IMP), approved by the City of Pittsburgh in July 2021, will not change at this time. Developed with extensive community input, the IMP is a formal, legally binding document that outlines specific details related to city regulations, including building height and mass, parking, urban design and neighborhood compatibility. If the new CMP changes a project outlined in the IMP, Pitt will work with the city and community on amending the document that must be approved by 2031.
— Donovan Harrell, photography by Aimee Obidzinski