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Langroise house placed on the market
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The Langroise House, one of the most historic homes in Boise, was placed on the real estate market Monday, Oct. 3. The home, which is currently owned by the University Foundation, was donated to the university in 1977 by William Langroise, then an attorney and insurance executive in Boise. The university did not gain access to the house, however, until the death of Langroise’s widow, Gladys, in 2000.
The Warm Springs Avenue house was originally willed to Boise State University with the intent that it would serve as the home of the university president. When the house became property of BSU in 2000, then-university president, Charles Ruch, took up residence until his retirement in the summer of 2003. Since then, however, the house has remained vacant, after President Kustra chose not to move in.
The asking price for the house is $2.2 million, with all proceeds going towards an endowed scholarship fund for National Merit Scholars at Boise State. The fund will be set up in the name of William and Gladys Langroise.
In a prepared statement, Executive Director of the University Foundation Rick Frisch said the decision came after weighing the costs of maintaining the residence at taxpayer expense.
“President Bob Kustra and his wife reluctantly came to the decision to sell the property with the idea of establishing scholarships for students,” Frisch said. “The Langroise family is delighted that the proceeds will create educational opportunities for deserving students and that the intent of their generosity has been fulfilled.”
The vacancy of the house came into question last year when former Associated Students of BSU Senator Jefferson Day introduced a resolution to the ASBSU Senate requesting that President Kustra either move in, or that the house be put up for sale.
The resolution stated that the house cost BSU an estimated $80,000 a year to keep up, money that could certainly be used elsewhere.
In response to the resolution, Kustra stated that the house lacked certain features such as sufficient parking, carpeting and furniture. In addition, he also stated that it had come to his attention that the house needed additional remodeling, something that would further cost the university money.
In January of 2005, the Idaho State Board of Education approved a proposal to put the house on the market.
The four-bedroom home features a new air conditioner, a new forced-air heating system, and all new wiring. The house is listed with Andy Enrico and Company Real Estate, Inc. All offers must be received by Oct. 18.
Emily Poitevin / News Writer
