The Facilities Development and Management Department is responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the university facilities and grounds.
The Facilities Development and Management Department serves as the backbone of campus operations, ensuring that every physical space on campus is safe, functional, and welcoming for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Our Mission
The department's mission is to provide responsible and effective stewardship of GovState's physical environment, supporting the university's commitment to learning, teaching, research, and public service for both the campus community and the broader Southland region.
What We Do
Facilities Development and Management is a multi-disciplinary department that touches nearly every aspect of campus life. Core areas of responsibility include:
- Construction and Renovation: Planning and managing new construction projects and building renovations to support the university's evolving academic and operational needs.
- Building Operations: Maintaining the day-to-day functionality of campus buildings, including heating, cooling, electrical systems, and plumbing.
- Building Maintenance: Continual upkeep of furnishings, fixtures, equipment, and finishes.
- Grounds Maintenance: Caring for GovState's outdoor spaces, including landscaping, walkways, parking areas, and athletic fields.
- Custodial Services: Keeping campus facilities clean, sanitary, and well-maintained for the entire GovState community.
- Sustainability: Supporting GovState's commitment to environmentally responsible practices in the management and operation of campus facilities.
- Safety and Compliance: Ensuring that all campus facilities meet applicable building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards.
Divisions
Facilities Office
· Customer Service
· Keys / Swipe Cards
· Departmental Management
· Project Management
Engineering
· HVAC (Cooling / Heating)
· Refrigeration
· Plumbing
· Locks / Keys
Carpentry
· Construction
· Repairs
· Assembly
· Design
Housekeeping
· Cleaning
· Trash / Recycling Pickup
· Sanitization
· Pest / Rodent Control
Maintenance Laborers
· Grounds Stewardship
· Events Setup
· Furniture Moves
· Equipment Moves
Painting
· Interior / External Painting
· Creative Design
· Wall Covering
· Refinishing
Service Requests
The FDM Service Request Form allows faculty, staff, and students to submit requests for building-related services and concerns that do not require urgent attention. Visit the portal page for information and links to the program.
This requires a mygsu portal page network login.
Click the link below for the GovState FDM Service Request Form. Otherwise, refer to the paragraph below.
https://mygsu.govst.edu/facultystaffinformation/fdm/Pages/FDM_Service_Request_Form_Information.aspx
If you cannot access the portal and need to submit an FDM service request, use the FDM PDF Service Request Form (link below), and walk or fax it to the FDM office. If you require additional information or need to submit a verbal request, please contact (708) 534-4515.
Flags Flying at Half-Staff
GovState follows the guidelines of the Illinois Governors Office with respect to flying the flag at half-staff.
For information, please visit the Flag Honors web page.
Campus Maps
Need help finding what you are looking for?
View the campus interior floor maps in the link below.
Events Office Scheduling
To find out how to schedule your event visit the University Events page.
Going Green and Sustainability
Governors State University is committed to a green and sustainable campus.
University Sustainable Garden
The University Sustainable Garden is available to the GSU Community for growing vegetables. It is located on the University Park Campus, just east of the Family Development Center.
Contact Facilities Development & Management
Phone
(708) 534-4515
Fax
(708) 534-4549
Office
Room B1230
Mail
Facilities Development & Management
Governors State University
1 University Parkway, B1230
University Park, IL 60484
Project Management
Project Management
The Project Management Team supports the physical development of GovState's campus by overseeing construction projects from initial concept through final closeout. The team manages every phase of the construction process, providing the tools, oversight, and coordination needed to deliver projects on time and within budget.
What We Do
The Project Management Team guides construction and renovation projects through each stage of development, including:
- Conceptual Planning: Evaluating project feasibility, defining scope, and establishing preliminary budgets and timelines.
- Design Coordination: Working with architects, engineers, and campus stakeholders to develop project plans that meet university standards and operational needs.
- Construction Management: Overseeing contractors and construction activity to ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, and according to project specifications.
- Budget Oversight: Monitoring project costs throughout the construction process to keep projects within approved budgets.
- Project Closeout: Coordinating final inspections, documentation, and handoff to ensure a smooth transition from construction to operation.
Current Projects
PROJECT START: Summer 2025
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: D2302TMS
PROJECT BUDGET: Not to Exceed $806,227
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Bailey Edwards / Smithgroup | Chicago, Illinois
CONTRACTOR: CORE Construction
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Located between Prairie Place and the Goodman-Malamuth Technology Building (GMT), ground was recently broken for the first soccer field in GovState history. The facility will replace barren, dry ground with a state-of-the-art playing surface with Fédération Seven Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rated turf, creating a compelling place for athletes to train and compete, with covered benches for players and seating for up to 400 fans.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: Opening April 2025
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Alumni Path Looking West, in Afternoon
Alumni Path Looking West, at Night
Alumni Path New Light Poles, at Night
Alumni Path Emergency Phone
PROJECT START: Spring 2020
PROJECT TYPE: Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB)
PROJECT NUMBER: 816-010-041
PROJECT BUDGET: $2,964,940.00
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Doyle & Associates | Chicago, Illinois
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Governors State University Phase 1 Complex, constructed circa 1974, is a multi‐story complex of six interconnected units. Two additions were built in subsequent years including the Center for Performing Arts. The units are divided by elevation changes and area separation walls at the roof level. Interior spaces in these areas have been experiencing chronic damaging water leaks.
ROOF AREA:
This project provides for complete Roof System replacement at Building “A”, Building “B” and the Center for Performing Arts.
Building “A” consists of six distinct roof areas for a total of 47,160square feet. Roof Areas A‐2 and A‐5 are elevated 7’ above the adjacent roof areas. Building “B” consists of three distinct roof Areas for a total of 28,568square feet. Roof A‐3 is depressed slightly and constrained by an area separation curb and existing windows.
The Performing Arts Center “PA” consists of eight roof areas for a total of 20,172 square feet. Roof Area PA‐1 sits atop the fly tower.
The total estimated roof area of 95,900 square feet is part of this project’s scope for roof replacement. This total contradicts the 75,500 square feet referenced in the original RFQ.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Scope of work calls for the removal and replacement of the entire roof assembly down to the structural concrete/metal deck. A predetermined square footage will be built into the project to address any unforeseen repairs to the concrete and/or metal deck due to water saturation below the insulation.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Fall 2020
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Exposed Tar Deterioration on The Roof of the "A" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Water Ponding on The Roof of the "A" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Issues Remediated on "B" Wing Roof, Post-Construction
John Potempa - Associate Vice President FDM
Phone: 708.235.7447
Email: jpotempa2@govst.edu
Donna Gill - Facilities Administrative Specialist
Phone: 708.534-4515
dgill3@govst.edu
Carolyn Johnson - Director of Environmental Health & Safety
Phone: 708.235.6971
Email: cjohnson33@govst.edu
Louis Schultz - Architectural Superintendent, FDM
Phone: 708.235.7448
Email: lschultz@govst.edu
Michael Sullivan - Executive Director, FDM
Phone: 708.235.2109
Email: msullivan@govst.edu
James Zumerchik
Director of Project Management / Campus Architect Planner
Phone: 708.235.7451
Email: jzumerchik@govst.edu
Completed Projects
PROJECT START: Spring 2019
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: D1907TMS
PROJECT BUDGET: Not to Exceed $806,227
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Primera Engineers, LTD | Chicago, Illinois
CONTRACTOR - ELECTRICAL: Excel Electric
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
On the campus, GSU has a pedestrian walkway called the “Alumni Path". From dusk until dawn, the entire length of the path gets very dark. This was cited as a safety concern for students. This project will add solar-powered lighting to the walkway as drawn and defined. Project also includes the “Alumni Extension Path.” Outdoor Emergency telephones are also in project scope.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Fall 2019
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Alumni Path Looking West, in Afternoon
Alumni Path Looking West, at Night
Alumni Path New Light Poles, at Night
Alumni Path Emergency Phone
PROJECT START: Fall 2019
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: 219032.00
PROJECT BUDGET: $3,931.806
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Legat | Chicago, Illinois
CONTRACTOR - ELECTRICAL: Excel Electric
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The following objectives were achieved in the scope of this project:
• Replaced obsolete, original, past its useful life, potentially unsafe kitchen equipment
• Replaced original piping below slab that was decayed, bellied, and unserviceable. New water supplies now from
above. Sanitary piping rerouted to allow full access in future without moving any large equipment.
• New LED lighting throughout: more efficient, less institutional feel, more complimentary to a dining environment with the flexibility (with new controls) to adjust to a more academic setting when needed.
• Layout conducive to catering staging, delivery, and returns
• Expanded redesigned dishwashing area to handle more, more efficiently
• Center Bistro design with retractable security gate allowing for extended operational hours with minimal staff.
• Lakeside Lounge incorporated into dining area, allowing better access and views to lake.
• Flexibility of creating larger group meeting area with movable glass partition
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Fall 2020
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
A picture of the old obsolete dining room.
Rendering of new dining room.
A photo of the old obsolete serving area.
Rendering of the new serving area.
PROJECT START: Spring 2019
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: N/A
PROJECT BUDGET: $1,413,830.00
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Inspec | Chicago, Illinois
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Governors State University Phase 1 Complex, constructed circa 1974, is a multi‐story complex of six interconnected units. Two additions were built in subsequent years including the Center for Performing Arts. The units are divided by elevation changes and area separation walls at the roof level. Interior spaces in these areas had been experiencing chronic damaging water leaks.
ROOF AREA:
This project provides for complete Roof System replacement at Building “C” and Building “E”.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Scope of work calls for the removal and replacement of the entire roof assembly down to the structural concrete deck
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Winter 2019
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Water Ponding on The Roof of the "E" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Issues Remediated on "E" Wing Roof, Post-Construction
Water Ponding on The Roof of the "C" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Issues Remediated on "C" Wing Roof, Post-Construction
PROJECT START: Spring 2020
PROJECT TYPE: Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB)
PROJECT NUMBER: 816-010-041
PROJECT BUDGET: $2,964,940.00
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Doyle & Associates | Chicago, Illinois
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Governors State University Phase 1 Complex, constructed circa 1974, is a multi‐story complex of six interconnected units. Two additions were built in subsequent years including the Center for Performing Arts. The units are divided by elevation changes and area separation walls at the roof level. Interior spaces in these areas have been experiencing chronic damaging water leaks.
ROOF AREA:
This project provides for complete Roof System replacement at Building “A”, Building “B” and the Center for Performing Arts.
Building “A” consists of six distinct roof areas for a total of 47,160square feet. Roof Areas A‐2 and A‐5 are elevated 7’ above the adjacent roof areas. Building “B” consists of three distinct roof Areas for a total of 28,568square feet. Roof A‐3 is depressed slightly and constrained by an area separation curb and existing windows.
The Performing Arts Center “PA” consists of eight roof areas for a total of 20,172 square feet. Roof Area PA‐1 sits atop the fly tower.
The total estimated roof area of 95,900 square feet is part of this project’s scope for roof replacement. This total contradicts the 75,500 square feet referenced in the original RFQ.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Scope of work calls for the removal and replacement of the entire roof assembly down to the structural concrete/metal deck. A predetermined square footage will be built into the project to address any unforeseen repairs to the concrete and/or metal deck due to water saturation below the insulation.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Fall 2020
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Exposed Tar Deterioration on The Roof of the "A" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Water Ponding on The Roof of the "A" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Issues Remediated on "B" Wing Roof, Post-Construction
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: B20201TMS
PROJECT BUDGET: $23,436
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Spagnolo Enterprises | Park Ridge Illinois
CONTRACTOR: Temperature Doctors
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The main “D” entrance to the university is closest to the hub of student activities and thus has the heaviest volume of pedestrian traffic. During the winter, the perpetual opening of the entrance doors allows cold weather to infiltrate the interior Information Desk and Admission Office areas. Employees and visitors are burdened with a chronic chill. Project goal is to mitigate the cold interior temperatures.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Replace two vestibule unit heaters, add baseboard heaters beneath the Student Central and Admission counters, replace ceiling unit heater across from Financial Aid window
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Main D Entrance Rendering
New Unit Heater in D Wing Main Entrance.
Project Management
The Project Management Team was established to support and guide the physical development of Governors State University. The team provides services necessary in the design and implementation of construction projects from the conceptual phase of a project through the closeout. The Project Management Team provides the appropriate support tools to effectively manage construction projects allowing the project to be completed successfully, on time and within budget.
Current Projects
PROJECT START: Summer 2025
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: D2302TMS
PROJECT BUDGET: Not to Exceed $806,227
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Bailey Edwards / Smithgroup | Chicago, Illinois
CONTRACTOR: CORE Construction
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Located between Prairie Place and the Goodman-Malamuth Technology Building (GMT), ground was recently broken for the first soccer field in GovState history. The facility will replace barren, dry ground with a state-of-the-art playing surface with Fédération Seven Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rated turf, creating a compelling place for athletes to train and compete, with covered benches for players and seating for up to 400 fans.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: Opening April 2025
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Alumni Path Looking West, in Afternoon
Alumni Path Looking West, at Night
Alumni Path New Light Poles, at Night
Alumni Path Emergency Phone
PROJECT START: Spring 2020
PROJECT TYPE: Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB)
PROJECT NUMBER: 816-010-041
PROJECT BUDGET: $2,964,940.00
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Doyle & Associates | Chicago, Illinois
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Governors State University Phase 1 Complex, constructed circa 1974, is a multi‐story complex of six interconnected units. Two additions were built in subsequent years including the Center for Performing Arts. The units are divided by elevation changes and area separation walls at the roof level. Interior spaces in these areas have been experiencing chronic damaging water leaks.
ROOF AREA:
This project provides for complete Roof System replacement at Building “A”, Building “B” and the Center for Performing Arts.
Building “A” consists of six distinct roof areas for a total of 47,160square feet. Roof Areas A‐2 and A‐5 are elevated 7’ above the adjacent roof areas. Building “B” consists of three distinct roof Areas for a total of 28,568square feet. Roof A‐3 is depressed slightly and constrained by an area separation curb and existing windows.
The Performing Arts Center “PA” consists of eight roof areas for a total of 20,172 square feet. Roof Area PA‐1 sits atop the fly tower.
The total estimated roof area of 95,900 square feet is part of this project’s scope for roof replacement. This total contradicts the 75,500 square feet referenced in the original RFQ.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Scope of work calls for the removal and replacement of the entire roof assembly down to the structural concrete/metal deck. A predetermined square footage will be built into the project to address any unforeseen repairs to the concrete and/or metal deck due to water saturation below the insulation.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Fall 2020
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Exposed Tar Deterioration on The Roof of the "A" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Water Ponding on The Roof of the "A" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Issues Remediated on "B" Wing Roof, Post-Construction
John Potempa - Associate Vice President FDM
Phone: 708.235.7447
Email: jpotempa2@govst.edu
Donna Gill - Facilities Administrative Specialist
Phone: 708.534-4515
dgill3@govst.edu
Carolyn Johnson - Director of Environmental Health & Safety
Phone: 708.235.6971
Email: cjohnson33@govst.edu
Louis Schultz - Architectural Superintendent, FDM
Phone: 708.235.7448
Email: lschultz@govst.edu
Michael Sullivan - Executive Director, FDM
Phone: 708.235.2109
Email: msullivan@govst.edu
James Zumerchik
Director of Project Management / Campus Architect Planner
Phone: 708.235.7451
Email: jzumerchik@govst.edu
Completed Projects
PROJECT START: Spring 2019
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: D1907TMS
PROJECT BUDGET: Not to Exceed $806,227
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Primera Engineers, LTD | Chicago, Illinois
CONTRACTOR - ELECTRICAL: Excel Electric
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
On the campus, GSU has a pedestrian walkway called the “Alumni Path". From dusk until dawn, the entire length of the path gets very dark. This was cited as a safety concern for students. This project will add solar-powered lighting to the walkway as drawn and defined. Project also includes the “Alumni Extension Path.” Outdoor Emergency telephones are also in project scope.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Fall 2019
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Alumni Path Looking West, in Afternoon
Alumni Path Looking West, at Night
Alumni Path New Light Poles, at Night
Alumni Path Emergency Phone
PROJECT START: Fall 2019
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: 219032.00
PROJECT BUDGET: $3,931.806
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Legat | Chicago, Illinois
CONTRACTOR - ELECTRICAL: Excel Electric
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The following objectives were achieved in the scope of this project:
• Replaced obsolete, original, past its useful life, potentially unsafe kitchen equipment
• Replaced original piping below slab that was decayed, bellied, and unserviceable. New water supplies now from
above. Sanitary piping rerouted to allow full access in future without moving any large equipment.
• New LED lighting throughout: more efficient, less institutional feel, more complimentary to a dining environment with the flexibility (with new controls) to adjust to a more academic setting when needed.
• Layout conducive to catering staging, delivery, and returns
• Expanded redesigned dishwashing area to handle more, more efficiently
• Center Bistro design with retractable security gate allowing for extended operational hours with minimal staff.
• Lakeside Lounge incorporated into dining area, allowing better access and views to lake.
• Flexibility of creating larger group meeting area with movable glass partition
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Fall 2020
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
A picture of the old obsolete dining room.
Rendering of new dining room.
A photo of the old obsolete serving area.
Rendering of the new serving area.
PROJECT START: Spring 2019
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: N/A
PROJECT BUDGET: $1,413,830.00
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Inspec | Chicago, Illinois
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Governors State University Phase 1 Complex, constructed circa 1974, is a multi‐story complex of six interconnected units. Two additions were built in subsequent years including the Center for Performing Arts. The units are divided by elevation changes and area separation walls at the roof level. Interior spaces in these areas had been experiencing chronic damaging water leaks.
ROOF AREA:
This project provides for complete Roof System replacement at Building “C” and Building “E”.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Scope of work calls for the removal and replacement of the entire roof assembly down to the structural concrete deck
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Winter 2019
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Water Ponding on The Roof of the "E" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Issues Remediated on "E" Wing Roof, Post-Construction
Water Ponding on The Roof of the "C" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Issues Remediated on "C" Wing Roof, Post-Construction
PROJECT START: Spring 2020
PROJECT TYPE: Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB)
PROJECT NUMBER: 816-010-041
PROJECT BUDGET: $2,964,940.00
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Doyle & Associates | Chicago, Illinois
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Governors State University Phase 1 Complex, constructed circa 1974, is a multi‐story complex of six interconnected units. Two additions were built in subsequent years including the Center for Performing Arts. The units are divided by elevation changes and area separation walls at the roof level. Interior spaces in these areas have been experiencing chronic damaging water leaks.
ROOF AREA:
This project provides for complete Roof System replacement at Building “A”, Building “B” and the Center for Performing Arts.
Building “A” consists of six distinct roof areas for a total of 47,160square feet. Roof Areas A‐2 and A‐5 are elevated 7’ above the adjacent roof areas. Building “B” consists of three distinct roof Areas for a total of 28,568square feet. Roof A‐3 is depressed slightly and constrained by an area separation curb and existing windows.
The Performing Arts Center “PA” consists of eight roof areas for a total of 20,172 square feet. Roof Area PA‐1 sits atop the fly tower.
The total estimated roof area of 95,900 square feet is part of this project’s scope for roof replacement. This total contradicts the 75,500 square feet referenced in the original RFQ.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Scope of work calls for the removal and replacement of the entire roof assembly down to the structural concrete/metal deck. A predetermined square footage will be built into the project to address any unforeseen repairs to the concrete and/or metal deck due to water saturation below the insulation.
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED Fall 2020
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Exposed Tar Deterioration on The Roof of the "A" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Water Ponding on The Roof of the "A" Wing of the Main Building, Prior to Project Completion
Issues Remediated on "B" Wing Roof, Post-Construction
PROJECT TYPE: GSU Internal
PROJECT NUMBER: B20201TMS
PROJECT BUDGET: $23,436
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER: Spagnolo Enterprises | Park Ridge Illinois
CONTRACTOR: Temperature Doctors
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The main “D” entrance to the university is closest to the hub of student activities and thus has the heaviest volume of pedestrian traffic. During the winter, the perpetual opening of the entrance doors allows cold weather to infiltrate the interior Information Desk and Admission Office areas. Employees and visitors are burdened with a chronic chill. Project goal is to mitigate the cold interior temperatures.
SCOPE OF WORK:
Replace two vestibule unit heaters, add baseboard heaters beneath the Student Central and Admission counters, replace ceiling unit heater across from Financial Aid window
CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: COMPLETED
PHOTOS, DRAWINGS & RENDERINGS:
Main D Entrance Rendering
New Unit Heater in D Wing Main Entrance.