A Long-Term Partnership Fueling Innovation in Oakland

A Partnership Rooted in Vision, Innovation, and Oakland’s Growth

For more than two decades, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has played a central role in shaping the trajectory of Elmhurst’s Oakland portfolio. CMU's Software Engineering Institute, a major tenant at the RAND Building and an influential partner in the leadership of InnovatePGH, has helped anchor the district’s emergence as a nationally recognized hub for research, technology, and economic development.

Elmhurst’s relationship with CMU is more than a leasing partnership—it is an investment in Pittsburgh’s innovation economy. From supporting long-term institutional tenants to enabling academic and industry collaboration, Elmhurst has remained committed to ensuring that CMU—and the initiatives it champions—have high-performing real-estate assets designed to support future-forward work.

Building the Infrastructure That Advances Research and Innovation

CMU’s presence within the RAND Building strengthens one of the most strategically located office assets in Pittsburgh. Positioned in the heart of Oakland, just steps from both CMU and the University of Pittsburgh, the building serves as a connective hub for the region’s academic and economic ecosystems.

This partnership also extends beyond a single address. Through InnovatePGH—a regional initiative bringing together major institutions, industry partners, philanthropic leaders, and public agencies—Elmhurst and CMU are aligned in driving smart, sustainable, inclusive innovation across the city.

CMU brings world-class research and talent. Elmhurst provides disciplined development, long-term stewardship, and the physical infrastructure necessary to support it. Together, they fuel an ecosystem that attracts new companies, nurtures breakthrough ideas, and strengthens Pittsburgh’s competitiveness for generations.

A Legacy of Collaboration

Elmhurst’s ties to CMU run deep. Alfred Hunt and Bill Hunt—whose leadership has shaped Elmhurst for decades—both share longstanding relationships with CMU. This history has helped foster a relationship built on trust, shared vision, and a deep belief in Pittsburgh’s innovation potential.

Over the years, Elmhurst’s disciplined investment approach has supported CMU’s growth in Oakland by delivering:

• High-quality, high-performance office environments
• Flexible spaces that accommodate research, administrative, and interdisciplinary needs
• Long-term stability for mission-critical programs
• A landlord partnership aligned with academic timelines and institutional vision
  

This alignment has played a meaningful role in supporting CMU’s work across technology, computer science, AI, entrepreneurship, and the broader R&D ecosystem that fuels regional prosperity.

Strengthening the Region Through Innovation

CMU’s impact on Pittsburgh reaches far beyond Oakland’s borders. As one of the world’s foremost research institutions, the University contributes to:

• Breakthrough technologies and emerging industries
• Talent creation and retention
• Regional entrepreneurship and startup formation
• Economic mobility and workforce opportunities
• Collaborative initiatives that benefit both public and private sectors
  

By supporting CMU with stable, well-managed real estate assets, Elmhurst helps create the physical environment where these outcomes can take shape. It is a long-term commitment to the future of Pittsburgh—one grounded in disciplined investment and a belief in the transformative power of higher education.

Investing in the Next Era of Pittsburgh's Innovation District

As Pittsburgh continues to evolve, the partnership between Elmhurst and Carnegie Mellon University will remain essential to shaping the city’s innovation landscape. With new technologies emerging, new industries forming, and new talent arriving each year, the demand for high-performance, future-focused real estate will only grow.

Elmhurst will continue to meet that need—strengthening the Oakland, Pittsburgh's Innovation District, supporting institutional partners, and contributing to Pittsburgh’s long-term economic resilience.

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