The Boise State University campus is expanding again with the new $4 million ESI Building for Construction Management, named for the Meridian-based construction company co-owned by Boise State and Construction Management alum Neil Nelson (‘94).
Thanks to a lead gift of $2 million, the ESI Building for Construction Management naming will honor ESI’s vision and commitment to the Department of Construction Management and guarantee that the next generation of construction management graduates has the facility needed to provide continued innovation and discovery opportunities.
“ESI has been working with the Boise State University Construction Management department for over 15 years to support internships and curriculum development,” ESI Construction President Neil 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.”
The state-of-the-art building will mark many “firsts” for not only Boise State, but also the state of Idaho. The new construction management facility will be the first building in the state of Idaho designed by an all-women team of architects and engineers led by Lombard/Conrad Architects. The design features an appealing exterior and interior highlighting the use of various building materials and methods of construction. Most notably, the mass timber structure will make this a “first of its kind” building in the Boise metropolitan area. The facility will be the first university facility facing Beacon Street, a street with growing traffic and exposure.
“Construction Management is an exciting program that offers students a chance to shape the future –quite literally. Our student growth in the program has boomed and will help meet the demand in our state,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, Boise State President. “With ESI Construction’s invaluable support and this state-of-the-art facility, we will expand opportunities for our students and for our state, preparing more people to enter a field that advances the wellbeing of Idaho.”
The 12,000-square-foot, multi-level building provides students with expanded laboratory structures, state-of-the-art learning environments, a 45-seat computer and construction technology classroom, and new high bay structures for enhanced exterior lab activities.
In the past four years, the program saw a 50% increase in student growth. The new facility will provide a showcase for the construction industry and Boise State.
“The College of Engineering is grateful for the generosity of ESI Construction and their commitment to student success,” College of Engineering Dean JoAnn S. Lighty said. “This state-of-the-art facility provides tremendous opportunities for our students and faculty not only in Construction Management, but also across the college. It allows for expansion of much needed student experiential learning and collaboration spaces.”
The Construction Management program at Boise State is the only program in the state offering a bachelor’s degree, as well as a minor and certificate for industry professionals.
“Construction industry representatives on the CM Industry Advisory Board committed themselves to building a facility that would serve as the center of the CM community and provide our students a living and learning structure that will enhance the education of the CM students,” Construction Management Associate Professor Casey Cline said. “Through their support and with lead gifts from many local, regional, and national companies, the building will be entirely donor-funded. It is our hope that additional individuals and companies will get behind this project, allowing the CM program to continue preparing students for management and leadership roles in the industry.”
Founded in 1973, Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI), the largest privately-owned general contracting, construction management and design-build firm in Idaho, earned a reputation for excellence in commercial construction. ESI offers services across a variety of market sectors including commercial office, industrial/manufacturing, education, healthcare, federal, multi-family, civic, retail, restaurant, grocery, distribution centers, and more.
ESI’s commitment to providing quality and personalized service with unwavering integrity combines expert office and field professionals to leave clients highly satisfied with a quality project, within budget and on time, every time.
-By Jamie Fink