Pitt-Greensburg Starts Renovations on Rial House

The Pitt-Greensburg Facilities Department began exterior renovations on the Rial House in early January of this year. The Rial House is located across the street from the Academic Villages next to the softball field. The exterior renovations are expected to be complete prior to March 1 of this year.  

Director of Facilities and Security Joe Bleehash spoke of the building’s changes.  

“The project has been a work in progress for a few years while we cleaned up the interior,” he said.   

The Rial House has been used for storage purposes and will continue to be used for such once renovations are complete. Items such as furniture, insulation, and building materials will be housed there.   

For the interior of the building, facilities removed outdated material and created open storage areas, along with a new electrical service installation. For the exterior of the building, the rear porch was enclosed to create a loading dock for big deliveries.   

The Facilities Department plans to replace the gutters, downspouts, metal siding, and more on the outside of the house. Paving and landscaping are to be completed in the spring.   

“We will also have small deliveries made there, which include appliances and hot water tanks for the Villages,” Bleehash said.   

Because extra materials and appliances will be closer to campus, it will likely reduce the time for work orders and provide better service to the campus community.   

The entire renovation will cost about $75,000, and the project is completely funded by Oakland.  

Renovations to Rial House are not related to the Life Science building that will become home to Pitt-Greensburg’s nursing program. Construction on the new building is expected to begin early next year.   

“Oakland has committed the funds required for that project [the new building],” Bleehash said. “The planning phases have already begun.”