History

Overview

The System Office of Capital, Utilities, and Real Estate has undergone many changes in both responsibilities and department titles throughout the years. The main priority has not changed - our organization exists to engage in and assist with the development of the built environment of the three universities within the University of Illinois System: Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield.

Department Established

In 1890, James McLaren White was retained as an Architecture instructor. In 1907, the Office of the Supervising Architect was established and White was appointed Supervising Architect of the University of Illinois, working alongside the university’s Superintendent of Buildings and Superintendent of Grounds.)

Department Evolution

In 1933, the Chief Clerk in the Office of the Supervising Architect was appointed as Acting Director of the Buildings and Grounds Operation. The Supervising Architect’s Office oversaw the physical plant operation and maintenance of the University and its grounds. In 1934, the name of the Supervising Architect’s Office was changed to the Physical Plant Department and was charged with overseeing both the Urbana and Chicago campuses. In 1943, there were six units within the Physical Plant Department: the Architectural and Engineering Division, Buildings and Grounds Operation and Maintenance, the Illini Union, Chicago functions, Accounting, and Residence Halls.

The staff of the Architectural and Engineering Division retained the responsibility for the administration of all phases of the building projects, including the design, working drawings, construction supervision, and budget. Further, the Architectural and Engineering Division continued to provide all architectural and engineering services in connection with remodeling projects. This arrangement permitted the University to retain control over design compatibility, uniformity of standards, assurance that subsequent construction corresponded with the plans and specifications, and proper budget controls.

In 1966, the Board of Trustees established a chancellorship system for the Urbana and Chicago campuses. In September 1967, the responsibilities of the Operation and Maintenance Division and the Auxiliary Services Division of the Physical Plant Department were transferred to the Chancellors of each campus. At that time, the name of the Physical Plant Department, which included the Architectural and Campus Planning Divisions, was changed to the University Office of Physical Plant Planning and Construction.

Beginning in 1971, due to the severe reduction in state appropriations for capital improvements, there was a major reduction in staff within the University Office of Physical Plant Planning and Construction. The staff was reduced from 69 employees to 26 who continued to carry out the responsibilities relating to capital improvements to the University.

In 1972, the University Office of Physical Plant Planning and Construction was renamed the University Office for Capital Programs (UOCP) and was a part of the Office for Financial Affairs, reporting directly to the Vice President for Financial Affairs. The mission of the office included campus and University functions for physical planning, construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings, landscape and site development related to those projects, monitoring equal employment opportunities for construction, land acquisition, and the establishment and evaluation of appropriate standards of service, operation, and maintenance in consultation with chancellors and campus directors for the Chicago and Urbana campuses. Its staff consisted of architects, engineers, landscape architects, accountants, and real estate professionals.

In 1993, the University Office for Capital Programs was organized into two separate offices; one at Urbana and one at Chicago, with a director at each office reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for Administration and Human Resources. In 1995, the Urbana office also included responsibilities for the newly acquired Springfield campus (formerly Sangamon State University).

In September 1997, organizational changes took effect to maintain the strategic responsibilities of the University Office for Capital Programs at all three campuses (Chicago, Springfield, and Urbana) while delegating the operational management of capital construction to each of the campus units. The University Office for Capital Programs was organized into a single office for capital strategic planning and oversight, managed by an Assistant Vice President reporting to the Associate Vice President for Administration and Human Resources.

Effective September 2003 the office’s name was changed to the University Office for Facilities Planning and Programs. Restructuring changes including adding oversight of the University’s utility systems. The office reported to the Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Programs.

The office was modified again in late 2007 when Utilities Management became a separate department. In summer 2008, there was a restructuring and Real Estate Services was incorporated in the department and the name was changed to the University Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services. The office became part of the Office of Business and Financial Services and reported to the Vice President/Chief Financial Officer through the Senior Associate Vice President/Deputy Comptroller.

Current Status

In 2016, Utility Services was merged back into the organization and, together with Capital, reported to the newly designated Assistant Vice President of Capital Programs and Utility Services. Real Estate Services, while still in the same organization, reported separately to the Senior Director of Real Estate Services. In 2024, the three units came together once again to report to the Senior Assistant Vice President of Capital, Utilities, & Real Estate within the Vice President/Chief Financial Officer's organization. A current organization chart can be found here.