Inn & Out
University Inn serves as overflow student housing
Charlotte Taylor
Issue date: 7/25/07 Section: News
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University Inn, a veritable landmark on Capitol Boulevard, will be torn down next year to make way for the new College of Business and Economics Building. Boise State purchased the University Inn last year for $3.2 million and has a temporary lease on the property.
"A new building to house the College of Business and Economics is a top priority for the university," Boise State President Bob Kustra said last year. "It will allow Boise State to continue its long-term campus master plan to make the intersection of University Drive and Capitol Boulevard a scenic gateway onto our campus."
Until the ground is broken on the new COBE building, the University Inn will serve as student housing, faculty offices and conference and meeting space. This process began over the summer by allowing conference groups and families to reside there during orientation.
To make the inn functional as a student living facility, BSU paid to have Internet installed in every room.
It removed the queen and double beds from most rooms and replaced them with twins.
According to Hale, handicap-accessible ramps were installed and Housing is looking at additional furniture pieces.
"We think it will be not just a good accommodation, but a neat experience to be some of the last people who stay at the inn," Executive Director of Student
Housing Jeff Hale said.
The rooms at the University Inn will be offered to students at a fraction of the cost of a normal dorm room. Currently, the least expensive room in an on-campus residence hall is $4600 per year. Students residing at the University Inn will pay $2000 for a double room with a commuter meal plan. Students desiring private accommodations will pay $2500 per year.
The university is still unsure as to when the inn will be torn down. There are no permanent residence halls planned for construction.
"The campus master plan calls for more student housing," Hale said. "A 300-bed facility does not go up over night. We are certainly looking for any options that are out there."
The University Inn was built in 1957 and is compromised of 84 guest rooms, 122 parking spaces, meeting rooms and a lounge.
The inn's former owner, Phil Murelaga, will continue to operate the hotel-turned-dormitory until its destruction.
"Of course we are saddened by the end of University Inn's operations," Murelaga said. "But we are excited for this very important step of campus development and the overall enhancement of Boise State."
While some administrators seem pleased with the short-term fix, not all of Boise State's students share their enthusiasm.
Students who are less than pleased with the arrangement have already contacted the Housing Department.
"If I was in that position, I would not be happy about it," Megan Broden, an education major who is considering a move closer to campus, said. "I'm all for cheaper options for students, but it makes me a little uneasy to know that they don't have any future plans in place after this year."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Just another guy
posted 8/03/07 @ 8:05 PM EST
Ohh wohh is the U Inn. Gone will be the Iron Gate and all the good memories.
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