Bsu Unveils New Campus Plans Nampa Campus Modeled After University Of Virginia

Boise State University is concentrating its planning on a Canyon County campus, but it also wants to gradually revamp the Boise grounds into a more pedestrian-friendly place.

It unveiled its first master plan Thursday at a state Board of Education meeting.

The university will raise money from state and private sources to start the new campus, planned for 140 acres in Nampa, President Charles Ruch said.

It could handle up to 10,000 students with a wide range of four-year college degrees and eventually feature more than two dozen buildings.

Portland architect Paddy Tillett said his plan has the campus built around a traditional quadrangle. He used the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson, as a model.

The Boise campus will be transformed into a place where pedestrians and cars do not compete as much, Tillett said.

Many existing parking lots will be torn up in favor of lawns and new buildings. Most parking will be concentrated in four proposed parking garages.

The school also plans to construct a building for its new engineering programs. It is listed as the top financial priority in its capital-improvement plan. No definite timetable has been set, Ruch said.