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ocated in the heart of Pittsburgh, the building at 412Boulevard of the Allies is more than just an address—it's a cornerstone of the city’s commitment to sustainability and efficient public service. Spread across nine floors, this building now houses key agencies that are essential to Pittsburgh’s operations, including the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the Housing Authority, and the Department of Public Works.
Before its transformation into a hub for civic engagement, 412 Boulevard of the Allies was home to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, a renowned institution that fostered creativity and innovation. This historical connection adds cultural significance to the building's new role, blending the spirit of artistic ingenuity with the practical needs of public service.
At the core of this transformation is DIRTT, whose innovative construction solutions have played a pivotal role in redesigning the space with sustainability as a top priority.
“Having the opportunity to work with 3 different agencies of the City of Pittsburgh to build out interior space on 9 floors in an iconic building in Pittsburgh was a great project for DIRTT and our exclusive construction partner in the region, Workscape, Inc,” explained Brad Spier, DIRTT’s Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Territory Sales Manager.
By incorporating DIRTT’s modular walls on every floor, the project successfully prevented 14,231 pounds of drywall waste from entering landfills. This significant reduction in waste also kept 13,043 pounds of hydrogen sulfide and 11,719 pounds of CO2 from being released, highlighting DIRTT's contribution to reducing the building's environmental footprint.
“The philosophical alignment and efforts with sustainabilitybenefits and sustainable construction helped the city compete each phase of theproject faster, with less change orders and the ability for their environmentto change and adapt concurrently with minimal downtime and exponentially lessdebris going landfills,” said Spier. “It’s a significant win for the region andall involved.”
Beyond waste reduction, the use of DIRTT’s materials allowed the project to minimize harmful emissions. The project avoided the off-gassing of 263 pounds of paint-based VOCs and 35 pounds of drywall mud and tape VOCs, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. Additionally, the walls in the Housing Authority project contain 67% recycled content and are made from 100% Forest Stewardship Council-certified MDF, further reinforcing the building's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
The sustainable approach extends to the insulation used in the building, which includes material equivalent to 1,643 recycled denim jeans. This choice of insulation achieves 53% less CO2e emissions compared to conventional fiberglass insulation, further underscoring the project’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.
As Pittsburgh continues to grow and evolve, 412 Boulevard of the Allies stands as a symbol of what’s possible when sustainability meets innovation. DIRTT’s role in this project goes beyond construction—it represents a commitment to a more sustainable future for the city. The URA, Housing Authority, and Department of Public Works, now housed in this revitalized building, are better equipped than ever to serve the city, ensuring that Pittsburgh remains responsive to the needs of its residents while minimizing its environmental impact.
“This project has been a showcase of Workscape’s, and by extension DIRTT’s, ability to adapt to and exceed expectations,” stated Construkt Project Manager, Mike Passarelli. “Working with three separate departments that each had their own construction teams, as well as different visions, of what they wanted the end-product to be was challenging at times. However, with diligent planning and the ability to listen to as well as meet the client expectations we have provided a sleek, modern workspace the fit each of the three visions into one outstanding building that will meet the city’s needs for years to come.”
In a city renowned for its resilience and forward-thinking,412 Boulevard of the Allies is not just a building—it's a beacon of sustainable public service, dedicated to building a brighter future for all Pittsburghers.
