Visitors to the Pitt-Johnstown campus are immediately struck by the building architecture and lush, natural setting that creates Pitt-Johnstown’s distinctiveness.
When the campus opened in 1967, it was composed of six buildings constructed at a total cost of $8 million (to put things into perspective, the 26,000-sqaure-foot Nursing and Health Sciences, which opened in 2013, was built at a cost of $12 million). Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States, presided over the dedication ceremony on September 26, 1967.
Today, the campus has grown to include 38 buildings (encompassing more than one million square-feet). The campus is situated on 729 acres.
As the campus expanded, great efforts were employed to ensure that all new facilities maintained the theme of the cut limestone facades. So, today, the Nursing and Health Sciences Building features the same cut stone façade and peaked roofs as Biddle Hall, which opened in 1967 (then, as South Hall). During the past several years, more than $37 million was invested in new construction projects and upgrades to existing facilities.
Most noticeable were the renovations to Biddle and Krebs Hall, which underwent the first significant interior renovation since they were opened more than 40 years ago.
Facilities Management Division
The Facilities Management Division is located in the Physical Plant and is dedicated to excellence in maintenance and preservation of the University’s physical assets in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Our team seeks to provide superior service, a safe and sustainable environment, and unparalleled support for students, faculty, and staff while supporting the University’s mission.
To report a maintenance or pest problem, please submit an online work request through campus services.
Facts About the Pitt-Johnstown Campus
- The Wilmore Coal and Real Estate Companies, as part of the Berwind Corporation, gave the University of Pittsburgh a land tract of 136 acres, on which the current campus was built.
- The original campus was constructed between 1963 and 1967.
- When buildings were being constructed, then-President Dr. Theodore W. Biddle insisted that the utility companies lay their lines around many of the large trees.
- The stone used on the buildings is a quartzite, originally deposited about 600 million years ago. The stone weighs about 180 pounds per cubic foot and will withstand pressure of 280,000 pounds per square inch.
- The campus’ heating system was featured in Look magazine in 1968 as a state-of-the-art system, theoretically recycling body heat.
- The campus contains one of the largest private cemeteries in Richland Township.
- The General State Authority allocated $2,375,000 for construction of the Owen Library.
- In 1973, Pitt-Johnstown constructed four townhouse apartment buildings, increasing the number of beds to 784.
- On the first day of school in 1967, neither Schoolhouse Road nor Theatre Drive had been paved.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered one of his last major addresses at the dedication of the campus on September 27, 1967.
- In the aftermath of the Johnstown Flood of 1977, the campus became a refuge for flood victims.
- Krebs Hall used to house a snack shop called “The Pitt” in its basement.
- The first gymnasium was in the Student Union (where the Cambria Room is currently located), with a seating capacity of 600.
- Pitt-Johnstown maintains more than one-million square feet of facility space.
- The Pitt-Johnstown Log Cabin, which opened in 1972, was constructed entirely by students and employees, is built from utility poles.
Contact
Physical Plant
Phone: 814-269-7130
Monday through Friday
7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
After 3 p.m., for emergencies, please contact Campus Police at 814-269-7005.