Facilities Management Project Manager Anastasia Dubnicay is leading the way in the development of top construction and renovation projects at Pitt, including planned Enabling Project and proposed Recreation and Wellness Center facility.

In her leadership role, Anastasia is responsible for managing teams of architects and contractors, working with groups across the entire University to ensure end-product facilities are aligned with the University’s mission and deliver on defined project goals.

On a typical day, Anastasia reviews project plans, manages project milestones, collaborates with stakeholder groups and vendor partners, reviews architectural drawings, assesses project costs and audits development sites. Each day is different, something she appreciates about her role to continue to push the boundaries and make continued progress across key initiatives.

The new Enabling Project is now underway, providing Anastasia with a unique leadership opportunity to support Pitt’s long-term infrastructure support and growth needs that will benefit current and future students, faculty and staff members for decades to come. This project includes plans to upgrade outdated utilities infrastructure and reconfigure University Drive located on the campus hillside.

Enabling Project benefits include:

• Utilities Infrastructure Improvements – The project will provide needed updates to power and sewer lines to support surrounding facility needs, in addition to enabling future projects in the Campus Master Plan.
• Path and Roadways Enhancements – The project will create a more pedestrian-friendly hillside, separating pathways from roadways and better connecting pathways across campus, providing improved mobility solutions for travelers. The plan also includes improved, accessible and lit pedestrian pathways throughout the area, supporting Pitt’s Sustainability Plan goals.
• Sustainable Landscape – Landscaping improvements will bring a sustainable new landscape design to the area that increases the use of native species and reduces vehicular surfaces.

Additionally, Anastasia has been charged with overseeing the projected new Recreation and Wellness Center, an exciting project designed to bring a transformational best-in-class facility centered on health and wellness to Pitt’s Pittsburgh campus.

Construction of the projected Recreation and Wellness Center requires City approval as part of the campus’ Institutional Master Plan and the project’s Project Development Plan.  The University anticipates approval of both before the planned construction start in October 2021.  Once approved, the facility will be centrally located on campus, proposed to replace O’Hara Garage and LRDC buildings.

Recreation and Wellness Center benefits include:

• Total Health and Wellness Destination – From recreation and fitness areas to yoga and meditation spaces, this innovative multi-story facility is projected to encompass all aspects of health and wellness, taking a holistic approach to support and enrich the student experience. The Center, still in conceptual/schematic design, is estimated at up to 300,000 sq. feet and is planned to include additional amenities under consideration, such as a test kitchen to support healthy nutrition, recreation pool, jogging track, weight-lifting equipment, basketball and volleyball courts, academic gathering spaces and more.
• Sustainable-First Approach – In addition to extensive physical and mental health benefits, the new facility will target LEED certification and is expected to include ample natural light and energy efficiencies, sustainable stormwater management and biophilic design elements, a showcase for sustainable design that will support Pitt’s leadership and commitment to sustainability.
• New Levels of Connectivity – The welcoming facility will provide an inspiring connection point in the heart of campus, centered on bringing people together around better, healthier lifestyles.

Anastasia brings demonstrated project management, architectural and design experience to the University. Prior to joining Pitt 1 ½ years ago, her leadership positions included the Director of Programs at Design Center Pittsburgh and Manager of Community Engagement with Housing Innovation Alliance and Program Manager of International Operations at IBACOS, working with the Department of Energy for three years, in addition to International development projects. Anastasia holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Architecture from Kent State University and has earned her LEED AP Accreditation.

Committed to giving back to the community, she is a Lead Mentor and Executive Director on the board for ACE Mentor Program of Western PA and actively supports local hunger relief non-profit CANstruction Pittsburgh. Her love of architecture has also led to her involvement with the AIA and Young Architects Forum in Pittsburgh.

Anastasia’s favorite part of her position as Project Manager is working with diverse, dedicated, talented people to help shape the future at Pitt. With capital plans moving forward in the Campus Master Plan, Anastasia is excited about what the future holds to continue to strengthen and transform Pitt’s campus in 2020 and beyond.

We are grateful for Anastasia’s uncompromising dedication and commitment, making a difference each day to build the future at Pitt!

Did You Know? 

• The Recreation and Wellness Center project’s completion is anticipated in Fall 2023.
• Hundreds of team members are working together throughout the development process, from enabling project work to landscaping, roadways, pathways and new construction, to transform the hillside area of campus.
• The hillside area is the steepest topographic area of campus, making traversed pathways in the area’s redesign a welcome aid to pedestrians and bicyclists.
• University ground crews are in the process of implementing landscape improvements in the hillside area and across campus through the use of increased native species, planting over 4,000 new perennials, shrubs and trees annually.

For more information and to view ongoing project updates, visit: http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/campus-recreation/wellness-and-recreation-center/.