Modernization Project Complete at U.S. Courthouse in Pittsburgh

The GSA Mid-Atlantic Region recently completed an interior restoration and renovation project at the historic U.S. Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (formerly named U.S. Post Office and Courthouse).  The 800,000 square foot facility was originally constructed in 1932, and occupies the entire block bounded by Seventh and Grant streets in downtown Pittsburgh.  

Interior renovations focused on:
• Restoration of public corridors on the first two floors, including new floors and ceiling tiles befitting the historical significance of the facility, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Cleaning and restoration of the 10th floor corridor to showcase the original stone and plaster work
• Renovation of several public restrooms throughout the facility, including sustainable plumbing fixtures that reduce water consumption
• Replacement of numerous air handlers which will provide better control of the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system at the Courthouse
• Installation of a new roof drainage system that will reduce chances of leaking throughout the facility
• Courtroom renovations and new chambers for the U.S. District Judges that occupy the courthouse  

This modernization project allowed the Courts to reduce space requirements by sharing several common spaces.  Two chambers are now divided by a shared conference room, copy room, reception area, and kitchenette, and connected to a newly renovated courtroom and jury room that will be shared by both chambers.

Federal tenants of the facility have praised the restoration and renovation work.  “This project was a perfect example of how a tenant, GSA, and contractors can work together and achieve a finished product that out shined the blueprints,” said Clerk of Court Robert V. Barth, Jr., U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania.  “With continuous communication among all parties, suggestions and adjustments were made that brought the project in on time and for the cost estimated.  The attention to detail was superlative as was the project's oversight.”

More information on the history of the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Pittsburgh can be found as part of GSA’s review of its historic buildings.

This article is part of the Spring 2013 issue of the FOCUS newsletter. Please visit the Focus Newsletter page to read our newsletter. To subscribe to FOCUS, complete the online subscription form.