Series III: Physical Plant

University properties at Washington Square and University Heights are the principal concerns in the files on physical plant. Washington Square material relates to the construction, furnishing, and rental of Main Building, which was designed by the architect, Alfred Zucker and constructed in 1894. The files include extensive material documenting the lease agreements on the building between the University and the American Book Company.

Records concerning the University Heights property are divided into three categories: real estate, building and construction, and furnishing and rental.

Real estate material describes the purchase of property from the Mali and Schwab estates, as well as the Ohio Society's assistance in obtaining property originally belonging to Loring Andrews. Limited correspondence about the sale or rental of property is included.

Building construction, furnishing, and maintenance files include internal memoranda and reports from the building committee, which consisted of members of the University Council, and correspondence with McKim, Meade and White, the principal architects at University Heights. MacCracken's correspondence with Stanford White documents the design of Gould Memorial Library and the Hall of Fame Colonnade. Also included in the records is correspondence and plans with various contractors and builders of the buildings at University Heights.

Municipal improvements and services records consist of correspondence suggesting the desire of the area's residents to improve city services and to establish such cultural institutions as the Presbyterian church and a branch library. The notebook of the church, minutes of meetings, and some financial information. Printed material includes flyers for the sale of lots, as well as programs for the opening day celebrations in 1895.