By George Thoma
Boise State is addressing a shortage of housing options for incoming students with a new residence hall under construction near Albertsons Library on the bank of the Boise River.
The 450-bed facility will be open for incoming freshmen for the fall 2025 semester. This is the first new residence hall to be built on campus since the Honors College Sawtooth Hall in 2017.
The building is designed to foster community among residents and provide a connection to the river, the outdoors and the city of Boise. The facility will have three wings, two with six stories and one with five. The location will maximize the experience for incoming students and accessibility to Albertsons Library and the Student Union Building.
“We are always seeking to meet the needs of our students, and we know from research that first-year students achieve greater success when they can benefit from the opportunities that living on a vibrant university campus provides,” said Boise State President Marlene Tromp.
Designers, builders and campus staff faced some challenges during initial design and construction. Because earlier campus master plans did not identify the building site for a major facility, crews had to relocate infrastructure such as stormwater, electrical, fiber optic and water service. Additionally, proximity to the Centennial Amphitheater, the Boise River and the Greenbelt called for substantial land stabilization and protection provisions.
Despite these initial hurdles, Drew Alexander, associate vice president for campus operations, is confident the project will meet its goals and welcome new students to Boise State.
“The long-term benefits of the site will lead to lasting student success and have a positive impact on the campus community,” he said.
The 98,000 square foot building will also meet LEED Silver certification standards. University leadership is using the Campus Master Plan update, now underway, to refine strategies and plans for subsequent student housing over the next decade.
