Pittsburgh, PA
Alan Magee Scaife Hall Lobby Renovation
Scope/Solutions
The Terrace Street entrance to Alan Magee Scaife Hall was dark and confronted visitors with a maze of narrow and outdated escalators. The existing lobby offered limited seating and wayfinding information. Beginning in 2014, SGH collaborated with Payette and Moshier Studio on a multiphase project to redefine the building’s entrance, bring more daylight into the lobby, eliminate the outdated escalators, and create a welcoming gathering space.
SGH served as the structural engineer of record for the lobby renovation project, which was the first of several planned renovations efforts. Highlights of the design include:
- A glass-enclosed lobby at the street level, constructed on the original elevated plaza
- A glass-enclosed café cantilevering over the original entrance with perforated aluminum sun shades
- Accessible ramps and planters between Terrace Street and the entrance
- Communicating stairs replacing the antiquated escalators
- Glass guards around modified stair openings
- Building information displays
Project Summary
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation
Services
Structures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Payette | Moshier Studio
Specialized Capabilities
Repair & Strengthening
Key team members
Additional Projects
Mid-Atlantic
University of Maryland, Physical Sciences Complex
SGH consulted on the building enclosure systems, including metal panel and brick masonry cladding, storefront windows, and featuring a tapered, elliptical curtain wall that dramatically cuts through the center of the building.
Mid-Atlantic
University of Virginia, Clemons Library & Harrison/Small Building
One of the university's busiest libraries, Clemons Library is a three-story building with a multi-level terrace housing educational, collaborative, and support spaces. SGH investigated the cause of repeated water intrusion and other moisture-related issues at the libraries and designed repairs.





