Point Park University is Looking to Expand

Written by Elisabeth Kay

Point Park University welcomed its biggest class since before the pandemic, and because of this, some of their freshmen have been calling the Wyndham Grand hotel their home. To give their students another place to live, Point Park University has been looking to renovate both 305 Wood Street and 500 Smithfield Street.

305 Wood Street was formerly the headquarters of YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, which has moved to the Southside. 500 Smithfield Strip was a historic Mellon Bank branch, which was later bought by PNC Financial Services Group Inc. and used as a customer care center. But these two properties may soon find their way into Point Park University campus life. 

The university is seeking state funding which would support their renovations of these two buildings, per grant application records from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). 305 Wood Street was in the works to stand as a new apartment development downtown, which moved out Point Park University’s Center for Media Innovation in 2023. PNC put 500 Smithfield Street up for sale after moving those who worked in the customer care center to remote jobs, but they still own the property and there has not been any agreements for it to be sold just yet. 

Point Park University has been working to revitalize downtown Pittsburgh while also promoting a healthy and inclusive campus life and environment. These two renovations would only further that.