The Gothic buildings, grouped primarily in the Main Quadrangles, are the oldest buildings on campus. In general, these buildings exhibit sound infrastructures, primarily because the building designs enhance the potential for extended life. The steep, slate tile roofs, which resist sunlight degradation and quickly shed water, precluding even short term standing water or snow collection, are the first line of defense against weather deterioration. The exterior walls, although ornate, are of simple, monumental, masonry bearing wall construction which has very long life potential with little maintenance. No evidence of significant deterioration of the Gothic exterior enclosures or structural systems was detected and, with proper maintenance, these buildings should remain adequate as presently used for at least another twenty years.
Most subject buildings rely on the campus utility infrastructure.
For a study of the condition and potential impact of campus utilities, see Campus Utilities later in this Master Plan. Most of the buildings remain substantially unimproved since their initial construction. This has resulted in an ever increasing inventory of unimproved space with long-term, increasingly deferred maintenance. Also, they were designed to archaic requirements and do not provide the level of comfort, control, and safety expected of contemporary systems. Most subject buildings are noteworthy for historical or architectural reasons.