Boise State to address student housing shortage with new residence hall

BOISE, ID — Boise State University took steps to address the shortage of housing options for incoming students by commencing construction on a new residence hall near the Albertsons Library on Monday, Sept. 18. This 450-bed facility, according to the university, will expand on-campus living choices for students, although it won’t entirely resolve the community-wide housing shortage.

The new residence hall will incorporate amenities designed to promote connections to the surrounding natural environment and the broader Boise community. It will consist of three wings, two with six stories and one with five, with the first level designed for easy passage to maintain Greenbelt traffic flow.

“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. “This spectacular new building will be perfectly situated for academic success and will give our students incredible access to Boise’s beautiful outdoor spaces. We are so excited to welcome more students home to Boise State.”

According to the university, the new facility’s design places a strong emphasis on student safety and security, with all student rooms located on the second floor and above. Additionally, the building is designed for energy efficiency, offering cost savings for the university.

The project carries an estimated cost of $58.5 million, which will be financed through institutional reserves and $43 million in bond debt. The repayment source for the debt will come from rental income generated by the residence hall. Future plans for student housing will be further refined in Boise State’s forthcoming Campus Master Plan update, outlining strategies for student housing development over the next decade.