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Buildings and Grounds: Gavett Hall renovation

 Collection
Identifier: UA122

Biographical / Historical

In 1911, the Carnegie Building opened on the Prince Street Campus as the first dedicated building for the study of engineering. The structure included steam engines and laboratories in the basement, while the main floors were lecture and study rooms. After the College for Men relocated to the new River Campus in 1930, the Carnegie Building became a dormitory and classroom space for the College for Women. At this stage, a new engineering building was built on the River Campus.

This building, originally called the College of Engineering Building, was renamed in honor of Professor Joseph W. Gavett Jr. after his passing in 1942. Gavett had been closely involved in strengthening engineering programs at the University and planning for the construction of the building. A graduate of Cornell University (M.S.), he taught mechanical engineering and was the chairman of the Department of Engineering at the Men’s College. He was particularly interested in the field of steam power generation. At the time of the renaming of the building in 1949, Dean J. Edward Hoffmeister told the Rochester Review that Gavett was a professor who valued friendship and respect in the University community and was beloved by all his students.

The renovation of Gavett Hall was part four of a four-stage expansion plan for the College of Engineering. The first stage, in 1960, added 15,000 square feet to Gavett Hall to maximize space for all engineering departments. During the second stage, space for the Department of Optics was added in the Bausch and Lomb Building. The third stage involved the construction of the Hopeman Building, which became the new site for the entire Department of Electrical Engineering and for most of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Renovation of Gavett Hall during the fourth phase was intended to increase space for the Department of Chemical Engineering, which anticipated an increase in the number of graduate students and faculty; it also provided space for part of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Scope and Contents note

This collection contains material related to the last phase of the College of Engineering expansion plan, the renovation of Gavett Hall, carried out between 1962 and 1966. Items include requisitions, order forms, correspondence, reports, photographs, and floor plans.

The collection includes the University’s proposal for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate-Level Research Facilities Development Grant, as well as the University’s reports on its use of the grant, which describe the new facility and include photographs. These reports contain information about the disposition of old facilities, department use of new space, research projects, discussion of the construction process, fiscal reports, and comments.

Dates

  • Creation: 1962-1966

Language of Materials

English

Extent

0.37 cubic feet (1 box, 1 flat file)

Restrictions on Access

For access to this collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu) at least two business days prior to your planned visit.

Please note: Some materials may be restricted or require permission for use.

Restrictions on Use

To request reproductions or permission to publish materials from the collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu). Researchers may be responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Received from Carlyle F. Whiting, Assistant Dean, College of Engineering and Applied Science, July 25, 1969. The collection was originally titled the College of Engineering and Applied Science Papers Re: Gavett Hall Renovation. It was subsequently relocated to the Buildings and Grounds record group.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Buildings and Grounds: Gavett Hall Renovation, UA122, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Related Materials

Joseph W. Gavett Jr. Papers, A.G27

Bibliography

Friedly, John C. “Support Staff and Facilities” 75 Years of Chemical Engineering. Rochester: University of Rochester, 1990.

Gavett, Joseph W. Public Relations Faculty/Staff Files, Series 1, Dept. of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, U of Rochester.

May, Arthur J. “The Changing College.” A History of the University of Rochester. Unabridged Version. Dept. of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, U of Rochester. Web.

Mead, Melissa. “What’s the Fate of the Carnegie Building?” Rochester Review May-June 2015, p.18-19. U of Rochester. Web.

“Men’s College Engineering Building Named Gavett Hall.” Rochester Review December 1949-January 1950, p.10. Dept. of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, U of Rochester. Web.


Title
Buildings and Grounds: Gavett Hall renovation
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the University of Rochester Archives Library

Contact:
Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation
River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd.
Rochester New York 14627-0055 USA