Housing plans for more beds

Boise State is slowly becoming a “metropolitan research university of distinction,” with many additions and expansions taking place across campus. Boise State has selected American Campus Communities, Inc., one of the nation’s largest owners, managers and developers of student housing properties, to begin the planning stage of new student housing.

“This initial step allows us to address an urgent need and plan for our future growth as a metropolitan university,” Boise State President Bob Kustra said. “Through this private-public partnership, we are developing a multi-phased project that could ultimately double our housing capacity.”

The new housing would be located across the street from the parking garage on Lincoln Avenue between University Drive and Beacon Street. Campus housing currently serves 2,209 students and demand for university housing is expected to increase next year. Right now there are approximately 524 students returning to campus housing, and there are 952 new applicants, as opposed to last year’s 609 applicants.

“We’re excited and ecstatic about the growth, but we didn’t have any evidence there would be an increase. We’re hoping the trend will continue,” Jeff Hale, executive director for University Housing, said. “We’re hoping to grow substantially, but that can’t happen over night. ACC will be helping with the process and telling us what we should do first. The goal is to have new facilities available to students by fall 2010.”

Last year’s overflow students were placed in the former University Inn. The Inn housed 75-80 students last year and this year arrangements are being made to house up to 120 students. With the assumption that numbers will increase, University Housing is looking at the possibility of additional off-campus options. Different hotels and apartment complexes are being assessed for the best rates, amenities, locations, parking and accessibility to public transportation. The re-opening of housing is still three months away so final decisions will not be made until the end of the month. Under the American Campus Equity transaction structure, American Campus Communities invests its own equity to own on-campus housing through a traditional long-term lease. Boise State can increase its housing supply with modern, well-amenitized student housing under a credit-friendly structure. Academic and research facilities will still be funded without harming the university’s credit capacity.

SONIA TREVIZO
News Writer

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