Princeton University. Dept. of Facilities.

The Department of Facilities at Princeton University is comprised of several administrative units which together are responsible for the maintenance and improvement of campus life. The Department of Facilities plans the physical aspects and layout of the overall campus, designs and constructs buildings and supporting infrastructure, operates, maintains or alters those facilities as appropriate and conducts like functions associated with non-academic real estate assets. Facilities also encompasses provision of food and housing to faculty, staff and students and supports activities relating to conferences and use of campus facilities by non-University personnel.

From the description of Operations and Maintenance records, 1830-1984. (Peking University Library). WorldCat record id: 74214550

The Department of Facilities at Princeton University is responsible for the construction, maintenance, renovation, and financial management of the buildings and properties owned by the university. The department is also involved in the university’s real estate transactions and planning of future land and building use. The offices that comprise the Department of Facilities hire architects and contractors for building construction and renovation, maintain campus housing and university buildings, and oversee landscaping and grounds maintenance.

The department currently known as Facilities began in 1876 when the Board of Trustees established the Grounds and Buildings Committee. The enormous growth of the campus in the 20th century resulted in an increase in size and scope of the department. In 1964, the Grounds and Buildings Committee became the Department of Property and Physical Facilities. The new, larger department included all aspects of management, construction, maintenance, and acquisition of university-related lands and buildings. Though the organization and divisions of the department have changed over time, offices devoted to real estate, grounds and buildings, and physical planning have been a mainstay since 1964. The department was renamed twice more before becoming the Department of Facilities in 1983.

The bulk of the Department of Facilities materials included originated with John P. Moran. Moran began his career at Princeton as an administrative assistant in Grounds and Buildings. He later became the General Manager of Planning, Plant, and Properties ultimately becoming Vice President for Facilities in 1974.

From the guide to the Department of Facilities Records, 1803-1992, 1955-1981, (Princeton University. Library. Dept. of Rare Books and Special Collections)