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Guide to the University of San Diego Construction records
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Title:
University of San Diego Construction records
Dates (inclusive):
1905-1999
Dates (bulk):
1946-1999
Creator: University of San Diego
Extent:
3 boxes, 1 map case drawer (4 linear feet)
Abstract:
This collection contains construction records for the University of San Diego. Records include architectural drawings,
correspondence, photographs, planning information, and reports.
Languages:
English
Construction for the College for Women and College for Men began in December 1949 and continued through the 1950s. The earliest
campus buildings included the College for Women (now Camino Hall and Founders Hall), the Immaculata, the Seminary (now Maher
Hall), the Administration building, the School of Law, and the Law Library. Construction on the Arts and Sciences building
was completed in 1959. It was then dedicated as Serra Hall. In 2019, it was renamed Saints Tekakwitha and Serra Hall.
Additional construction and University planning occurred in the 1970s. Construction on the School of Nursing was completed
in November 1976 and increased student housing was added in 1979 and 1981 with what was then called Mission Crossroads. In
2019, the housing area was rededicated Mata’yuum Crossroads.
As the University grew through the 1980s, extensive construction continued on campus. Buildings erected included the Manchester
Executive Conference center dedicated on February 26, 1984, the Helen K. and James S. Copley Library dedicated April 8, 1984,
the School of Business’ Olin Hall dedicated October 19, 1984, Alcalá Vista housing and the Ernest Hahn University Center in
1987, the Law Library completed in late 1988 and the Manchester Family Child Development Center completed in 1989.
Master planning in the mid-1990s sought to address the needs of the continually growing University. The 1994 Master Plan included
expansion of parking areas, a sports center complex, additions to Harmon Hall, Olin Hall, Hughes Administration Center, and
renovations to student housing.
The 2000s brought further growth with the Jenny Craig Pavilion completed in Fall 2000, the Joan B. Kroc Center for Peace and
Justice dedicated in December 2001, the Shiley Center for Science and Technology in Fall 2003, the Degheri Alumni Center in
2004, and Mother Rosalie Hill Hall in 2007. A new Master Plan was developed in 2016.
See bibliographic references for additional historical information.
These records document various construction activities at the University of San Diego, primarily construction of the University
Center, the Seminary building, and the Arts and Sciences building. The majority of the records date to the early construction
of the University of San Diego and the College for Women in the 1950s to the early 1970s. Records include correspondence,
plans, contracts, photographs, reports, and architectural drawings.
These records also include planning materials for the growth of the University of San Diego pertaining to new buildings and
campus expansion. Among these records are publications of the USD Master Plan, Environmental Impact Report Archaeological
and Historical Reports, and photographs associated with the Master Plans. Records consist of the Master Plans of 1970 and
the mid-1990s. Master Plans include overviews of campus areas as they existed at the time and projections for future developments.
These plans show stages of campus growth and changing priorities over the decades. The archaeological and historical studies
were conducted by Dr. Raymond Brandes for various buildings and plans. Research materials gathered in preparation for these
reports are also included.
The University of San Diego Construction records are organized into two series:
This collection is open for research.
[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, University of San Diego Construction records, Copley Library, University of San Diego, Archives
and Special Collections.
This collection was processed by Ashley Toutain in 2019.
Historical information about the early construction of the University of San Diego can be found in the following texts.
- Boudoin, Burt J. Fortress on the Hill - Founding the University of San Diego and the San Diego College for Women, 1942-1963. Mission Hills, CA: Saint Francis Historical Society, 2001.
- Engstrand, Iris Wilson, and Clare White. The First Forty Years: A History of the University of San Diego, 1949-1989. San Diego: University of San Diego, 1989.
Information on building dedications can also be found in the University Relations records.
Video footage of building dedications including the Degheri Alumni Center, Jenny Craig Pavilion, Joan Kroc Institute for Peace
and Justice, and Shiley Center for Science and Technology are available.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
University of San Diego
Subjects and Indexing Terms
(San Diego, Calif.)
Subjects and Indexing Terms
buildings design and
construction
Subjects and Indexing Terms
architectural drawings (visual works)