The Life Sciences Building (LSB) at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg received a Crystal Award for Building Excellence in the category of New Construction Under $15M from the Master Builders’ Association of Western PA. The award winners were announced during the association’s Construction Industry Evening of Excellence held in late February.
The award citation for the Life Sciences Building stated: “The design of this addition to Pitt-Greensburg’s campus blends seamlessly with surrounding buildings with its crisp, clean look. Rycon Construction Inc., served as general contractor for the two-story, 32,085 square-foot facility that houses labs for nursing, health science, biology, microbiology, and chemistry—along with faculty offices and shared study space. The quality of workmanship showcases the superior skill of all the craftspeople on the job and enhances the beauty of the design.”
The LSB was dedicated and opened for use in January 2023. Construction on the building began in September 2021 and was completed in December 2022. The structure is connected through a new chemistry wing to Smith Hall, which has served as the center for science-related education since its construction in the 1970s. Pittsburgh-based MCF Architecture designed the Life Sciences Building, and Rycon Construction out of Pittsburgh served as the general contractor for the project, which contributed an estimated $3 million in economic output to the region’s economy and an estimated 125 non-permanent direct jobs.
Overall, 36 projects were submitted for the MBA Building Excellence Awards, with a total construction investment value of close to $950,000,000.
“Commercial construction is thriving in our region,” said Dave Daquelente, MBA executive director of the MBA of Western PA. “We are excited to celebrate the diversity of major projects in our region that allow our members to outperform their clients’ expectations. . . . All our winners and finalists show us what is possible when contractors, architects, engineers, and the trades collaborate to build momentum in our region.”
The Construction Industry Evening of Excellence brings together the Pittsburgh region’s top commercial construction companies, architects and craftspeople. Award Categories Include: New Construction, Renovation Construction, and Excellence in Craftsmanship (exterior and interior). Finalists and winners are selected by highly regarded professional judges in accordance with MBA’s strict guidelines and criteria.
About MBA: Master Builders of Western Pennsylvania, Inc., is a trade association whose membership includes more than 255 of the top general contractors, construction managers, specialty contractors, and service and supplier companies supporting our region's commercial construction industry. Collectively, MBA membership accounts for more than 80 percent of the commercial construction in the Pittsburgh area. Since 1886, MBA has been a strong, influential, and single voice for the industry. MBA has awarded more than $800,000 in scholarship support to students interested in a career in the construction industry. MBA is affiliated with Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) representing over 32,000 members nationwide. This affiliation affords MBA membership with an even stronger industry voice and broader access to services, resources, and activities available on a national level. For more information, including the 2023 Member Report visit (www.mbawpa.org).
About Pitt-Greensburg: Founded in 1963, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is a publicly assisted, four-year, liberal arts college in southwestern Pennsylvania. Pitt-Greensburg offers 31 baccalaureate degree programs, including new majors in data analytics, nursing, and healthcare management, as well as 31 minors and four certificate programs. With nearly 1,400 students, more than 10,000 alumni, and faculty and staff numbering 260, Pitt-Greensburg provides a vibrant, diverse community that is a dynamic model of a 21st-century liberal arts education. As part of the University of Pittsburgh system, Pitt-Greensburg offers the resources of a world-renowned university combined with the individualized and immersive experiences of a small liberal arts college. Creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit permeate the campus and extend into its many collaborative projects with the Westmoreland County community. Nestled in Pennsylvania’s beautiful Laurel Highlands, the campus is surrounded by the region’s outdoor recreation venues and rich history. It is a five-minute drive from uptown Greensburg and less than an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh.