The department may, with the approval of the Department of General Services, purchase or otherwise acquire real property. It may construct and equip buildings upon the property and make improvements to the property, buildings, and equipment.

Any building or improvement that is constructed by the department pursuant to this chapter shall be primarily for the occupancy of the department and its commissions, divisions, bureaus, advisory boards, and services.

The building or improvement shall be administered and supervised by the department in accordance with rules and regulations which are established by the department and approved by the Department of General Services. Such rules and regulations shall be comparable to those for the administration and supervision of other state-owned buildings.