WPSD Alumni Association

Place to Learn & Live: Residence at WPSD

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The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf has embarked on an exciting new project that will benefit our current and future students – building a new residence. This $9.3 million project positions WPSD to meet the evolving needs of its students and their families for many years to come.

The former dorm, built in the 1960s, was originally designed and constructed to be classrooms and later converted into a living space. With the many upgrades needed to keep the building viable, it became apparent that the responsible path was to begin construction on a purpose-built residence. The “boys dorm” was demolished in the spring 2013 and the boys moved over to the second floor of the “girls’ dorm” while the girls moved upstairs to the third floor. The students are excited about the new residence. One student said, “The dorm is my home away from home, I’m excited to have a brand new room with the latest technology.”

The design of the new building was a team effort, with input from students, residential staff and alumni. Pittsburgh-based architectural firm, MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni, synthesized the groups’ input and their knowledge from previous WPSD design projects into a “purpose built, two-story building design. The new residence provides a more home-like atmosphere with six living suites, each with its own kitchen, bathroom, and common living and study areas. Boys and girls will reside on separate floors. Features such as a modern information technology network, as well as a geo-thermal heating and cooling system, will establish WPSD as a standard-bearer for student-centered construction and energy-efficient design.

The contractor, Verona-based A. Martini & Company, has been the lead on many previous campus renovation projects. The construction is on schedule for an August 2014 completion date.

If you would like additional information or have questions about the “A Place To Learn and Live” campaign, please contact Matt Campion in the Department of Institutional Advancement at 412.244.2450.

OLD DORM BUILDINGTHE NEW RESIDENCE
  • Built in the 1960s
  • Originally constructed to be a classroom
  • Had been remodeled to accommodate 250 residential students – wasted space
  • No air conditioning and poor air circulation
  • Antiquated and inefficient heating system
  • Flat roof deteriorating
  • Institutional/impersonal living space; Only building that didn’t reflect the warmth and family-like atmosphere of the school
  • Inadequate electrical network to accommodate modern appliances, technology, and fiber optics
  • Updating/renovating would be cost prohibitive
  • Purpose built to be a residence space
  • Rooms grouped in living suites
  • Suites present family-like, community environment for socializing
  • Energy-efficient HVAC system, smart thermostats, lighting, double-paned windows, and Energy Star appliances
  • Applying for LEED Certification
  • Sustainability through geothermal heating and cooling
  • Modern wiring network to support appliances, equipment, and technology
  • Modern IT infrastructure to support computer and communication technology, including fiber optics and Wi-Fi
  • Enhanced information and emergency alert system
  • Acoustically enhanced features for more improved comfort and study
  • Meeting spaces on each floor for family and group gatherings
  • Elevator for full accessibility on all three levels
  • Promotes more privacy for the students – private bathrooms/kitchens per suite
  • This structure is visually cohesive with the rest of the campus

New Residence. Pictured on May 11, 2013.

Source: The Western Pennsylvanian, Volume 127, Number 1, Fall 2013.