News Release

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June 27, 2006

Boise State Purchases University Inn, Future Location of New College of Business and Economics

Boise State University has purchased University Inn, a hotel located at the northeast corner of Capitol Boulevard and University Drive.

The property is earmarked as the future site of a new College of Business and Economics building as outlined in the Campus Master Plan. The corner will also become a campus gateway, welcoming visitors to the university. Funds are currently being raised for the five-story building that will span more than 100,000 square feet.

The College of Business and Economics building plans include: an atrium and commons lounge; a food court; a financial trading room; a 200-person auditorium; a student services center; space to house the wide variety of professional services and programs that Boise State offers the business community; numerous specialized, high-tech classrooms; a graduate student research facility; a business start-up incubator center and more.

“We are pleased to consummate this transaction to purchase University Inn,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra. “This important acquisition will allow Boise State to continue its long-range Campus Master Plan to make the intersection of University Drive and Capitol Boulevard a scenic gateway onto our campus, highlighted by a state-of-the-art College of Business and Economics Building.”

On a site of 1.86 acres, University Inn is comprised of 84 guest rooms and suites, a lounge, two meeting rooms and parking spaces for 122 cars. For short-term use, the 32,288 square feet of University Inn will be renovated by Boise State for use as faculty office space, overflow student housing, and meeting and conference space.

As part of the $3.2 million purchase, University Inn will remain in business through Oct. 31. During the interim period, seller Phil Murelaga will continue to operate the hotel through a lease with Boise State.

University Inn was built in 1957 as the Thunderbird Lodge, with major additions in 1962. It became a Ramada Inn in the late 1960s and then University Inn in 1982. Many remodels and updates were made during Murelaga’s 30-year ownership. A plaque will be installed in the new business building to commemorate the historical location of University Inn.

“Boise State University has had a very positive influence on the success of University Inn, and we have enjoyed our excellent relationship with many departments and the administration,” said Murelaga. “Of course we are saddened by the end of University Inn’s operations, which include our interactions with our guests and staff, but we are excited for this very important step of campus development and the overall enhancement of Boise State.”

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Contact: Kevin Satterlee, Associate Vice President and General Counsel, (208) 426-1203
Media Contact: Bob Evancho, University Communications, (208) 426-1643

July 12 is the deadline for undergraduate academic degree-seeking students to submit admission materials to Boise State University for the fall 2006 semester. Students must meet the deadline if they plan to take more than seven credits or apply for federal financial aid. For more information, call (208) 426-1820 or go online at http://admissions.boisestate.edu.

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Last reviewed on Wednesday, January 03, 2007