University of Pittsburgh and UPMC: Bridgeside Point I
Enhancing a Life Sciences node in Pittsburgh, PA
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For several years, TUFF has worked with leaders of multiple higher education institutions in Pittsburgh to envision new spaces for research and university-industry collaboration.
Throughout those engagements, there was a consistent aim to support the growth of university research enterprises and advance the knowledge-based economy in the region in an inclusive manner.
In 2021, TUFF acquired an existing wet lab, classroom, and patient-facing specialty research facility known as Bridgeside Point 1, along with land for future development, in order to provide a platform from which to continue pursuit of those aims. The building is primarily leased to various departments of the University of Pittsburgh, with additional tenants including UPMC Healthcare and private biotech companies’ headquarters and research space.
Located in the Pittsburgh Technology Center, the 161,000 square foot building purchase included an adjacent 5.5 acre site strategically located near university and hospital campuses and within a broader scientific research community along the Monongahela River. In addition to TUFF’s early-stage efforts to organize the neighborhood into a more vibrant innovation district, planning is underway for significant expansion of up to 700,000 gross square feet of healthcare and life sciences space on the adjacent site.
University of Pittsburgh departments in Bridgeside Point 1 include physical therapy, occupational therapy, a craniofacial clinic, along with research institutes focusing on aging sciences and communication disorders. Since taking ownership, TUFF has completed multiple lease renewals with both the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC at below-market rates and advanced capital for improvements and new equipment.
Through TUFF’s partner Collaborative Real Estate, we have improved the quality of facility management services while adding community activation as a practice that connects practicians, faculty, and researchers across multiple disciplines.
As part of its efforts to support a robust and growing innovation economy in the Pittsburgh region, TUFF and Collaborative gathered leaders of local medical systems, universities, government, and private industry in late 2021 to strategize the expansion of the life sciences ecosystem in Pittsburgh. TUFF is supporting pursuit of new workforce development programs for health sciences as well as new pathways for universities and health systems to work on research and development with commercial industry partners.
Facility Specifications
- 5 stories
- Located in the Pittsburgh Technology Center
- 161,000 sf building purchase
- Adjacent 5.5 acre site