Alumni Hall is a beloved landmark on the University of Pittsburgh’s core campus in the Oakland Civic Center Historic District, prominently located across Fifth Avenue from the Cathedral of Learning. We were challenged to perform an extensive interior renovation while respecting the façade of this historic neoclassical stone building, which was originally built as a masonic temple in 1913. The renovation brought the building into the 21st century with new accommodations for the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA), which include offices, office amenities, and two new Welcome Center presentation rooms. The central challenge was to remake the experience for the 75,000 visitors who flow through the OAFA every year, while also leveraging the existing strengths of the historic structure.

Now, reconfigured offices are more efficient, provide increased staff capacity and shared amenities, and enjoy vastly improved lighting and acoustic performance. The new conference rooms and shared support areas promote team integration and convenience. Accent walls, with university-branded colors and custom environmental graphics, create visual interest and celebrate the university’s identity.