UCSD Landmark Condemned

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UCSD
CAMPUS NOTICE
University of California, San Diego

OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR -
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & PLANNING

June 28, 2004

ALL ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UCSD (including UCSD Healthcare)

SUBJECT: University House

University House, the official residence of UCSD chancellors since 1967, has been closed due to structural deficiencies and code compliance. A recent investigative study found serious deficiencies in major system components of the 54-year-old building. This extensive review of the house and grounds was initiated earlier this year at the request of University of California President Robert C. Dynes, who resided at University House when he was UCSD chancellor.

A work group to consider options for the possible renovation, restoration or replacement of University House was recently appointed by University of California Senior Vice President Business and Finance, Joseph Mullinix. This group is being chaired by Wayne Kennedy, Senior Vice President Emeritus of the University of California and former Vice Chancellor at UCSD and includes representatives from the UC Office of the President, faculty, staff, students and the external community. The work group is being supported by Island Architects and the staffs from UCSD Resource Management & Planning and Business Affairs offices.

The work group is expected to deliver its recommendations to the Office of the President by August 2004, but the final solution could be several years away. Since University House cannot be occupied, an exception to University of California policy on university-provided housing was approved.

Chancellor-Designate Fox, who is expected to arrive in August, has been informed that University House could not serve as the Chancellor's residence at this time and that the University would be accommodating her and her spouse in interim housing close to the campus. Given that the temporary residence is not sufficiently spacious to accommodate large University events, functions typically held at University House will be scheduled at various other UCSD venues.

We recognize that University House has great significance to the UCSD and the La Jolla communities and will make a special effort to keep everyone informed of the status of the project as it progresses.

John Woods
Vice Chancellor
Resource Management & Planning

Joseph Mullinix
Senior Vice President
Division of Business and Finance

I'd been to University House a couple times in my undergrad days. Always as a servant, never as a guest. It's a scrawny little single-level ranch-style house on a massive lot above Blacks Beach with a patio that has one of the best views in all La Jolla. I suspect a ploy to replace it with some grander and less ranch-style with a minimum of interference from sentimental preservationists.