William Pitt Union (University Of Pittsburgh)

Description

Originally this building was The Hotel Schenley. Opened in 1898, it became the keystone of entrepreneur Franklin Nicola’s dream of Oakland as a center for culture, art and education.

In 1956, the then Schenley Park Hotel was sold to the University of Pittsburgh (founded nearby in 1787) to serve, among other things, as its student union. While $1 million was spent to renovate the facility, it remained a hotel-turned-union for the next 25 years.

In 1980, the University announced a $13.9 million renovation and restoration for the Union, made possible by bonds sold through the Allegheny County Higher Education Building Authority. During the 18-month project, seven upper floors were gutted, making way for bright, modern offices for students and the student affairs administration. The turn-of-the-century character of the main floor has been retained through careful restoration, and the rarely used basement has become a functional lower level, thanks to the new Forbes Avenue Entrance. The amalgam of the old and new achieve the intent of the project, one undertaken to form a more perfect union.

Today, events are held regularly in the William Pitt Union for both students and the general public.

Hours of operation

Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Parking

The University Of Pittsburgh offers parking facilities throughout its Oakland campus.

Bus routes that serve this area

• 61A - East Pittsburgh - Wilkinsburg
• 61B - Braddock - Swissvale
• 61C - McKeesport - Homestead