West Campus Housing Building Update

Consistent maintenance and continued improvement of ISU’s buildings and grounds remains a priority at each of our campus locations. As we examine the conditions of existing buildings and plan strategically for the future, solutions for structures that present safety concerns for our campus community are thoughtfully considered. 

ISU’s West Campus housing building on S. 5th Avenue has been in various states of disrepair for several years. To protect the safety of student residents and neighbors, student housing in the building ceased in 2015 and the residential portions of the building have been unoccupied since that time, with the exception of short-term, emergency usage during COVID. The administrative office for Student Housing has been relocated to the first floor of Dyer Hall.

An extensive study of possible options conducted in 2021 and 2022 evaluated several potential solutions for the building.  As the cost of building materials continued to rise and the West Campus building continued into further disrepair, the most viable and cost effective solution, to demolish the building, became evident. 

Using deferred maintenance funds from the State of Idaho, the demolition of the West Campus building will begin March 4. The Starr Corporation of Chubbuck will oversee the project, and residents in the area have been notified. This project is 100% funded by the State’s Deferred Maintenance program. No university financial reserves will be used on the project. 

A perimeter fence will be placed around the entire property first, to provide safety for neighbors and pedestrians. Hazardous materials will be contained throughout the month of March and the demolition of the building is anticipated to begin April 1. 

Sidewalks and street parking will be closed along S. 5th Avenue and E. Lovejoy Street adjacent to the building, but no lane closures on either street are expected. The alley from E. Carter Street to E. Lovejoy Street will have intermittent, temporary closures which may affect parking for residents on S. 4th Avenue. 

The safety and protection of students, faculty, staff and those who reside close to our campus is very important. Please avoid the demolition area from March 4 through the expected completion date of May 1. 

Questions regarding this project can be directed to Mark Andersen, associate vice president for facilities services at (208) 282-4621 or markandersen2@isu.edu.