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University plans new construction projects
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The face of Boise State will soon be changing with the addition of a new parking garage, two residence halls and the renovation of the Children’s Center.
Larry Blake, executive director of Architectural and Engineering Services, said the projects should be completed within the next two years.
The Children’s Center expansion will be funded by private donations. The other structures will be paid for with revenue bonds, which don’t require state-appropriated funds.
Blake said the bond payments would be covered by revenue generated by the parking garage and housing projects.
The new residence halls will be located behind the Communication Building and in front of Morrison Hall. Both of the new halls will contain 340 beds set up into four to eight-person suites.
“They will have everything but the kitchen,” Blake said.
In addition to the new residence halls, Boise State is building apartments, which will be located across the street from the Multi-Purpose building.
The new apartments will contain 175 units: 75 four-bedroom apartments and 100 two-bedrooms. They are intended for student families or for two or more students to share.
Blake said that although Boise State has a say in the design of the buildings, they will consult outside sources to construct them.
“It is called the Design Build Project,” Blake said.
Blake expects the new apartments to be built by July of 2004.
The new parking garage will be similar to the already existing structure. It will hold 615 parking spots and a Boise State sign will distinguish the old structure from the new.
The parking structure is paid for with revenue bonds that come from parking tickets, hourly parking rates and parking passes. Blake said that no student fees would be used to pay for the new structure.
In a change from the existing parking garage, the parking spots in the new structure will be slanted instead of at a straight 90-degree angle.
“This will provide a safe environment for the students; it changes the traffic to a one-way so that there will be less chaos,” Blake said.
The completion of the parking garage is scheduled for 2003.
Boise State’s Children’s Center, located on 1830 Beacon St., will also be expanded. The renovation to the center will provide additional room, and the costs of the additions will be fully covered by private donations. One donation came from a foundation created by a woman who was once a single mother.
Blake said that donations such as these are important, as there aren’t any state funds to help out with the process. In addition, funds generated by user fees will help pay for the expansion. Completion of the renovation is expected by January 2003.
Colleen Underwood, The Arbiter
