Guide to the University of San Diego Construction records
Finding aid prepared by Ashley Toutain
University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections
Copley Library
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Telephone: 619-260-2730
Email: spcoll@sandiego.edu
© 2019
Overview of the Collection
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)
Repository:
University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections
Copley Library
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Abstract:
This collection contains construction records for the University of San Diego. Records include architectural drawings,
correspondence, photographs, planning information, and reports.
Languages:
English
Historical Note
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.
Scope and Content Note
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.
Arrangement
The University of San Diego Construction records are organized into two series:
Access
This collection is open for research.
Preferred Citation
[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, University of San Diego Construction records, Copley Library, University of San Diego, Archives
and Special Collections.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Ashley Toutain in 2019.
Bibliography
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.
Related Material
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.
Index Terms
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)
Series I:
General Construction records
(inclusive) 1905-1999
(bulk) 1946-1999
Scope and Content Note
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. Records include correspondence, plans, contracts, photographs,
reports, and architectural drawings.
Box/Folder: 1 / 1
Accounts for Accounting University Construction
1956-1960
Box/Folder: 1 / 2
Administration Building Construction - Sinner Brothers
1949-1954
Box/Folder: 1 / 3
Administration Building Construction - Miscellaneous
1951-1952
Box/Folder: 1 / 4
Administration Building Construction Contractor Statements
1953-1954
Box/Folder: 1 / 5
1969 Appraisal Report
1954-1969
Scope and Content Note
[Includes correspondence.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 6
Appraisal Report
1969 August 15
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 7
Architectural Drawing copies
1950-1952,
1958
Scope and Content Note
[Includes architectural drawings for the Administration, College for Women, Immaculata, Library, and Seminary buildings.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 8
Architect's Progress Report [Lyle Hallett Architect]
1973 May-June
Box/Folder: 1 / 9
Art and Science Building Structural Corrections
1956
Box/Folder: 1 / 10
Art and Science Building Structural Engineering Calculations
1957
Box/Folder: 1 / 11
Art and Science Building Industries Supply Co Inventories
1959
Box/Folder: 1 / 12
Boiler House Correspondence
1955-1958
Box/Folder: 1 / 13
Building Bids and Numbers
1949-1961
Box/Folder: 1 / 14
Building Inspector's File
1953
Box/Folder: 1 / 15
Building Inspector's File
1957-1959
Box/Folder: 1 / 16
Building Permits [Wage Information]
1957-1959
Box/Folder: 1 / 17
School of Business Administration Building Renovation Project
1977 May 24
Box/Folder: 1 / 18
Construction Correspondence
1947-1951,
1954,
1960-1962
Box/Folder: 1 / 19
Construction of Site Grading, Roadway Improvements, Water Mains, Sewer Lines, Drainage Structures, and Work Appurtenant thereto
for San Diego University
1949
Box/Folder: 1 / 20
Copley Library Construction Newspaper Article San Diego Union
1982 November 10
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 5 Item 1
Copley Library Blueprints
1982 December 01
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 6 Item 1
Copley Library Blueprints
1996,
1998
Box/Folder: 1 / 21
Die Schlosser Mappe - German Wrought Iron Detail Drawings
1981
Box/Folder: 1 / 22
Elevator Information [Otis Elevator Company]
1955-1958
Box/Folder: 1 / 23
Elevator Construction Various Buildings Otis Elevators
1955-1958
Box/Folder: 1 / 24
Main Elevator Panel Samples
circa 1958
Box/Folder: 1 / 25
Emergency Communications Plan
1979-1980
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 4
Engineering Department City of San Diego Plan
1987
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 3 Item 2
Founders Hall Blueprint
1984 April 02
Box/Folder: 1 / 26
Gymnasium Blueprints and Correspondence
1957-1969
Processing/Project Information
Record of Survey No. 4212, 1957 March 1 removed to Map Case.
Box/Folder: 1 / 27
Gymnasium Correspondence
1959-1971
Processing/Project Information
Electronic Controls - San Diego University Girls Dorm and Gym, ca. 1961 removed to Map Case.
Box/Folder: 1 / 28
Hall of Science Building Fund
1958 February
Box/Folder: 1 / 29
Heat and Power Equipment Company Correspondence
1958
Box/Folder: 1 / 30
The Immaculata: Donation of the Main Altar by Miss Mary U. Niepp
1955
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / 8
Jenny Craig Pavilion and Eagen Memorial Plaza Renderings
circa 1999
Box/Folder: 1 / 31
Journal of the American Industrial Real Estate Association
1966
Scope and Content Note
[Includes Technical Drawings.]
Box/Folder: 1 / 32
Land Sale Agreements
1905-1906
Box/Folder: 1 / 33
Law Building, Library Building, Arts and Science Building [Specifications Report]
1956
Box/Folder: 1 / 34
Library Law School Calculations [structural]
circa 1956
Box/Folder: 2 / 1
Lease and Acquisition of Property
1969-1974
Scope and Content Note
[Also includes accounting and parking information.]
Box/Folder: 2 / 2
Maher Hall Dedication
1990 July 7
Box/Folder: 2 / 3
Maintenance Department Correspondence
1964-1968
Scope and Content Note
[Includes maintenance department inventories and maintenance study.]
Box/Folder: 2 / 4
Maintenance Department Correspondence
1962-1966
Scope and Content Note
[Includes gymnasium, building construction and Immaculata photographs.]
Box/Folder: 2 / 5
Mission Housing Complex Dedication
1979
Scope and Content Note
[Includes dedication text, information on architecture, and information on the MH Golden company.]
Box/Folder: 2 / 6
East Campus Housing
1979-1980
Scope and Content Note
[Mission Complex Includes news articles, news releases, drawings and MH Golden firm information.]
Box/Folder: 2 / 8
Nelson Bros. Asphalt, Paving and Grading
1954
Box/Folder: 2 / 9
Ninteman Construction Building Files
1957-1962
Box/Folder: 2 / 10
[Ninteman Construction] Building Construction Contracts
1956-1961
Box/Folder: 2 / 11
[Ninteman Construction] Building Contract
1961 June 23
Box/Folder: 2 / 12
Ninteman Construction Materials and Correspondence
1954-1960
Box/Folder: 2 / 13
Ninteman Construction Materials and Drawings - Seminary [and Library]
1955-1957
Processing/Project Information
Lighting Recommendations for Dormitory blueprint, revised January 13, 1956 Ruby Lighting Corporation removed to Map Case.
Box/Folder: 2 / 14
Ninteman Construction Project Memos
1956-1959
Processing/Project Information
Art and Sciences Building Third Floor Rev of Classroom from Apartments / Architectural Drawings, 1958 July 09 removed to Map
Case.
Box/Folder: 2 / 15
School of Nursing Complex, research Environmental Impact Report, and Historical Investigation Materials
1975-1976
Box/Folder: 2 / 16
Nursing School Site Description Report and Dedication
1975-1976
Box/Folder: 2 / 17
[School of Nursing Complex] Pueblo Lot 286
1976
Box/Folder: 2 / 18
Construction of Nursing Building
1993
Scope and Content Note
[Includes 1957 publication
University of San Diego A Development Program to Provide a New Arts and Sciences Building
.]
Box/Folder: 2 / 19
School of Nursing Construction
1993
Processing/Project Information
Informational Lot Map - Pueblo Lots and Silver Terrace removed to Map Case.
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 6 Item 2
President's Residence Patio Remodel Blueprints
1999
Box/Folder: 2 / 20
Progressive Architecture Magazine
1958 December
Box/Folder: 2 / 21
Professional Grounds Management Society Award Information; Building and Grounds Advisory Board; Staff Photographs
1971-1975
Box/Folder: 2 / 22
Public Housing Administration Resolution and Plans Sewer Lines
1949-1955
Box/Folder: 2 / 23
San Diego Testing Laboratories Materials Engineering
1954
Box/Folder: 2 / 24
Seminary Architect's Notes
1946,
1950-1958
Box/Folder: 2 / 25
Seminary Architect's Notes
1956,
1963
Box/Folder: 2 / 26
Seminary Building Terrazzo Floor Drawings and Specifications
1955
Box/Folder: 2 / 27
Major Seminary Building
1956-1958
Scope and Content Note
[Ninteman Construction Project Information, work forms for Seminary, Law, and Library buildings]
Box/Folder: 2 / 28
Seminary Proposal for Plumbing and Lighting
1954-1957
Box/Folder: 2 / 29
History of Serra Hall
undated
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 6 Item 3
Serra Hall Blueprints
1996
Box/Folder: 2 / 30
Stadium Escrow and Quick Claim Deed
1955-1960
Scope and Content Note
[Includes Library, Arts and Sciences, and Catholic High School information.]
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 1
Telephone Conduit Blueprints Major Seminary and Library
1955,
1957
Box/Folder: 3 / 1
Student Center Architecture Renderings
1979
Box/Folder: 3 / 2
University Center Architectural Renderings
circa 1983
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 5
University Center Blueprints
1985 May 05
Scope and Content Note
[Includes 86 pages of 37 inch x 49 inch University Center Plans from Architects Mosher, Drew, Watson, Ferguson.]
Box/Folder: 3 / 3
University Center Dedication
1983,
1986-1987
Scope and Content Note
[Dedication held March 6, 1987.]
Box/Folder: 3 / 4
University Center Video Production Information
1983
Box/Folder: 3 / 5
University Foundation
1948-1951
Series II:
Master Plan
1970-1996
Scope and Content Note
This series contains 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. Research materials gathered by Dr. Raymond Brandes in preparation
for these reports are also included.
Arrangement
These records are arranged in chronological order.
Box/Folder: 3 / 6
USD Master Plan [Map Copies]
1970
Box/Folder: 3 / 7
A Master Plan for the University of San Diego
circa 1970
Box/Folder: 3 / 8
Space Utilization Planning
1974 June 7 and 12
Box/Folder: 3 / 9
USD Excavation, New Town, Presidio
circa 1993
Scope and Content Note
[Aerial photographs.]
Box/Folder: 3 / 10
USD Planning Proposal
1993
Scope and Content Note
[Includes negatives and photographs of campus.]
Box/Folder: 3 / 11
Archaeological and Historical Report for the University of San Diego Master Plan [Draft]
1993 December
Box/Folder: 3 / 12
Environmental Impact Report Archaeological and Historical Report
1993
Box/Folder: 3 / 13
Environmental Impact Report Archaeological and Historical Report
1993
Box/Folder: 3 / 14
USD Master Plan Photographs and Negatives
1993-1994
Processing/Project Information
[Includes 3M 5" floppy disc. Access will require a 5" drive.]
Box/Folder: 3 / 15
USD Master Plan Environmental Impact Report
1993-1994
Processing/Project Information
[Folder includes 3 1/2" floppy formatted for Macintosh computer. Files have been copied from floppy disc to digital preservation
storage. All files should be normalized to Word format for access.]
Box/Folder: 3 / 16
USD Master Plan Environmental Impact Report
1993-1994
Box/Folder: 3 / 17
Archaeological and Historical Report for the University of San Diego Master Plan [Draft]
1994 April
Box/Folder: 3 / 18
USD Master Plan Environmental Impact Report Draft
1994 April
Processing/Project Information
Figure 4. Master Site Plan - Proposed New Construction, 1993 September removed to Map Case.
Box/Folder: 3 / 19
Archaeological and Historical Report for the University of San Diego Master Plan
1994 April
Box/Folder: 3 / 20
USD Master Plan Vista article
1994 November 3
Box/Folder: 3 / 21
USD Master Plan Revisions
1994
Box/Folder: 3 / 22
USD Master Plan done by Lettieri-McIntyre and Associates, Inc. [Draft]
1995
Box/Folder: 3 / 23
Master Plan Report Responses
1996
Box/Folder: 3 / 24
USD Master Plan Memorandum
1996
Box/Folder: 3 / 25
USD Master Plan
1996
Processing/Project Information
[Folder includes 3 1/2" floppy formatted for Macintosh computer. Files have been copied from floppy disc to digital preservation
storage. All files should be normalized to Word format for access.]
Oversize Materials
Scope and Content Note
The following is a content list of oversize materials removed from other areas of the collection. Separation sheets are associated
with each item in order to accurately note their original location.
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 2 Item 1
Record of Survey No. 4212
1957 March 1
Processing/Project Information
Removed from Gymnasium Blueprints and Correspondence 1.26.
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 2 Item 2
Electronic Controls - San Diego University Girls Dormitory and Gymnasium
circa 1961
Processing/Project Information
Removed from Gymnasium Correspondence 1.27.
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 2 Item 3
Art and Sciences Building Third Floor Rev of Classroom from Apartments / Architectural Drawings
1958 July 09
Processing/Project Information
Removed from Ninteman Construction Project Memos 2.14.
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 2 Item 4
Lighting Recommendations for Dormitory blueprint revised Ruby Lighting Corporation
1956 January 13
Processing/Project Information
Removed from Ninteman Construction Material and Drawings Seminary 2.13.
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 3 Item 1
Informational Lot Map - Pueblo Lots and Silver Terrace
undated
Processing/Project Information
Removed from School of Nursing Construction - 2.19.
Box/Folder: Map Case Drawer 4 / Folder 3 Item 3
Figure 4. Master Site Plan - Proposed New Construction
1993 September 13
Processing/Project Information
Removed from USD Master Plan Environmental Impact Report Draft 3.18.
