Park Lawrence Rankin, an architect who oversaw $1 billion in improvements to Pitt’s campuses, died at 73

Park Lawrence Rankin, who during 14 years as Pitt’s university architect led hundreds of campus building and improvement projects, died on Sept. 10. He was 73.  

Originally from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Rankin received his Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State University and was heavily involved in architecture efforts within the Pittsburgh area, including as president of the America Institute of Architecture’s Pittsburgh chapter. 

Rankin was responsible for more than $1 billion in campus improvements, including 21 new buildings, 10 building additions and 69 renovation projects. His design impact spanned beyond the Oakland campus, with projects at Bradford, Greensburg and Johnstown as well.  

Throughout his tenure, Rankin was integral to the development and improvement of many facets of the University:

• Development of residence halls, including Panther Hall, Irvis Hall, Nordenberg Hall, the Darragh Street apartments and Bouquet J in Oakland alone
• Focus on research and teaching facilities on campus, such as the Chevron Science Center addition, Clapp-Langley Complex, BST3 Tower, Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, Benedum Hall for Engineering and GSPH Addition
• Investment in academic department renovations for faculty and student affairs at the Cathedral of Learning, Posvar Hall and William Pitt Union
• Athletic competition venue improvements and construction at the Fitzgerald Field House, Petersen Sports Complex and Trees Hall pool
• Historic preservation of iconic University assets, including the cleaning of the Cathedral of Learning, Allegheny Observatory, Alumni Hall and The University Club

He was the son of Marguerite and Park Young Rankin; devoted husband of Jan Rankin for 52 years; father of David (Kristyna) Rankin and Sean (Elizabeth) Rankin; and grandpa to Helena Claire Rankin. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Jo and Carole, and their families.

— Joshua Kaufer, top photo by Joe Kapelewski