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Building a home for future builders

The ESI Building for Construction Management
The ESI Building for Construction Management will be Boise’s first “mass timber” structure. Mass timber uses technology to glue, nail, or dowel wood products together in layers to create structural panels, posts, and beams that are strong and environmentally friendly.

Boise State’s construction management program and a new, state-of-the-art facility

Boise State’s construction management program in the College of Engineering – one of the university’s fastest-growing areas of study – will find a new home in the 12,000-square-foot ESI Building for Construction Management planned for the intersection of Beacon Street and Manitou Avenue.

“Construction management is an exciting program that offers students a chance to shape the future — quite literally,” said Boise State President Marlene Tromp. “Our student growth in the program has boomed and will help us meet the demand in our state.”

 

ESI Building for Construction Management

The 12,000 square-foot building will include laboratory spaces, a 45-seat computer and construction technology classroom, and a suite of large-bay structures for lab activities. Designed by Boise firm Lombard/Conrad Architects, it is the first building project of its kind in Idaho helmed by an all-female team.

The university and its partners designed the building to improve educational access and student success, as well as accommodate the program’s growth. Construction management at Boise State is the only program at a public university in Idaho that offers a bachelor’s degree, a minor and a certificate for construction industry professionals.

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A Generous Gift From a Longtime Supporter

The ESI Building for Construction Management is named for Engineered Structures, Inc., a Meridian-based construction company co-owned by Neil Nelson, company president and Boise State alum (BS, construction management, 1994). A lead gift of $2 million from ESI, Inc. launched the project. Construction will begin when the university meets its $4 million fundraising goal.

“ESI has been working with the Boise State University construction management department for over 15 years to support internships and curriculum development,” Nelson said. “We are excited to help bring this much-needed facility to reality so that the university can continue to provide highly trained and educated students for Idaho’s rapidly growing construction industry.”

College of Engineering Dean JoAnn S. Lighty said the college is grateful to ESI, Inc. and its commitment to students.

“This facility allows for expansion of much-needed student experiential learning and collaboration spaces,” she said. “It is a game-changer for our students and faculty, not only in construction management, but across the college.”

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Construction Management

By The Numbers

  • In the past four years, construction management has seen a 50% increase in student enrollment.
  • Nearly 95% of construction management students complete internships before graduating.
  • Nine out of 10 students are active in construction management associations and clubs.
  • Of the 30-40 graduates per year, nearly all receive multiple job offers within three months of graduation.

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