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Coverage Dates

1920-2018 (bulk 1942-1971)

Description

This collection combines several different sets of documents pertaining to the construction, renovation, decoration, or furnishing of Fairfield’s campus buildings or other physical facilities. Overall, the contents include building specifications; blueprints and other technical drawings; vendor catalogs and brochures; master planning documents; internal planning and committee records; correspondence with architects, engineers, vendors, artists, zoning authorities, religious authorities, and potential donors; donor prospectuses; programs from dedication events; and notes from subsequent research on certain campus buildings. Full or partial buildings specifications are provided for Berchmans Hall, Xavier Hall, Loyola Hall, Canisius Hall, Gonzaga Hall, Regis Hall, the Campus Center, Nyselius Library, and the Bannow Science Center. The collection also includes substantial information about the decorative elements selected for the University’s original chapels, in McAuliffe and Bellarmine Halls; the planning process for Nyselius Library; and the resolution of a zoning controversy that delayed the construction of Jogues Hall.

Notes

When Fairfield was established in 1942, the first task for its founding Jesuits was to convert the physical infrastructure of two private estates into the campus of a boys’ preparatory school. In addition to renovating the existing buildings, the founders needed to purchase a wide array of furnishings in order to create classroom and residential facilities in McAuliffe and Bellarmine Halls. Fairfield’s growth and development soon required new buildings, beginning with Berchmans and Xavier Halls in 1947 and 1948. By the end of Rev. William C. McInnes’ tenure as President in 1973, further additions had included Loyola Hall (1955), Canisius Hall (1957), Gonzaga Hall (1957), Alumni Hall (1959), Campion Hall (1964), Regis Hall (1965), the Campus Center (1966), Jogues Hall (1968), Nyselius Library (1968), Kostka Hall (1971), Claver Hall (1972), and Bannow Science Center (1971).

Quantity

5.8 linear feet (12 boxes and two hardcover books)

Origin

Extant in the collection as of 2003 with minor additions by archivist in 2005 and 2018

Processed By

Katherine Bonamo

Last Updated

12-2024

Type

Finding Aid

Publisher

Fairfield University

Place of Publication

Fairfield, Conn.

Collection

Finding Aids

Repository

Fairfield University Archives and Special Collections

Identifier

FIN0023

Collection on Fairfield University Buildings & Physical Plant

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