The University of Pittsburgh undertook $5.8 million in upgrades, preservation, and renovations that were completed in April, 2011 and provided almost  35,000 square feet (3,300 m²) of space in order to help alleviate shortages in student group event, meeting, and office space at the William Pitt Union.
Upgrades included tearing out walls, updating the heating and cooling systems, replacing the roof, and upgrading the lighting.
 The first floor contains the oak paneled space for studying or socializing as well as a dining room that can double as a meeting room.
 A staircase, with original wood railings, leads to a second floor contains a 450-person capacity, sound system-equipped ball room that includes an open balcony, arched windows, and a small stage.
 From a previous renovation more than 50 years ago, the ballroom contains three chandeliers, one larger than the others, and a number of sconces.
Renovations to the ball room included restoring access to the balcony, applying gold leaf trim to the wall panels, and a restoration of the chandeliers, including replacement of the light bulbs with LEDs, by the original lighting fabricator located in Pittsburgh's Strip District.
 The basement of the Student Center is used as a storage area for student groups.
The facility also houses the Math Assistance Center, the Freshman Studies Program, and the student Writing Center.
The University of Pittsburgh undertook $5.8 million in upgrades, preservation, and renovations that were completed in April, 2011 and provided almost  35,000 square feet (3,300 m²) of space in order to help alleviate shortages in student group event, meeting, and office space at the William Pitt Union. Upgrades included tearing out walls, updating the heating and cooling systems, replacing the roof, and upgrading the lighting.  The first floor contains the oak paneled space for studying or socializing as well as a dining room that can double as a meeting room.  A staircase, with original wood railings, leads to a second floor contains a 450-person capacity, sound system-equipped ball room that includes an open balcony, arched windows, and a small stage.  From a previous renovation more than 50 years ago, the ballroom contains three chandeliers, one larger than the others, and a number of sconces. Renovations to the ball room included restoring access to the balcony, applying gold leaf trim to the wall panels, and a restoration of the chandeliers, including replacement of the light bulbs with LEDs, by the original lighting fabricator located in Pittsburgh's Strip District.  The basement of the Student Center is used as a storage area for student groups. The facility also houses the Math Assistance Center, the Freshman Studies Program, and the student Writing Center.
O'Hara Student Center