Eliyahu Gasson | editor-in-chief

Plans for a new health sciences building at Duquesne University received unanimous approval from the Pittsburgh Planning Commission on Tuesday, clearing a key step forward for a project that university officials describe as the capstone of ongoing improvements along Forbes Avenue.

The proposal called for the construction of an 80,000-square-foot facility to replace the university’s existing John G. Rangos Sr. School of Health Sciences building at the corner of Bluff Street and McAnulty Drive.

“We’ve been talking about this building for a while,” said Rod Dobish, Duquesne’s associate vice president and chief facilities officer. “They’ve kind of outgrown their existing space and we have some caps on enrollment. And we think this building will be a nice addition to all the improvements that the university has made on Forbes Avenue.”

The project is being designed by the S/L/A/M Collaborative, serving as architect of record, with AE Works as associate architect.

Gabriel Hohag, an architect with S/L/A/M Collaborative, said the building is designed to support immersive, hands-on learning across a range of health sciences disciplines.
Planned features include a pediatric speech-language pathology clinic, simulated hospital environments, physical therapy labs with high-low tables and simulated home-based care settings designed to train caregivers working with stroke recovery patients.

“To support these programs, the project’s big ideas include interdisciplinary instruction strengthening engagement, leveraging technology and a site-specific design for this urban campus supporting the university’s commitment to improving public health and well-being,” Hohag said.

Commissioners praised both the design and Duquesne’s long-standing approach to community engagement.
“I think it’s a great project,” said Commissioner Steve Mazza. “Duquesne University always thinks about the communities. You help create jobs that meet area standards, support minority participation and see the big picture of what’s good for the city.”

Commissioner Pedro Quintanilla raised a concern about lighting near a bike parking area and emergency exit along Magee Street. Hohag said the design team responded by updating lighting plans to improve safety and visibility in that area.

The project is currently in the construction document design phase, with bidding and permitting expected to begin mid-year.

Hohag said their plan is to have the building ready in time for the fall semester of 2028.

Eliyahu Gasson can be reached at gassone@duq.edu