(Moscow, ID) New housing on University of Idaho’s South Hill will begin construction immediately after the Idaho State Board of Education approved a building project worth $162 million at a special meeting today, Nov. 21. The project also includes renovations to two undergraduate housing facilities, Wallace Residential Complex and Theophilus Tower, as well as the Elmwood Apartments.
“We continue to see enrollment growth as we prove again and again the U of I’s value,” said President Scott Green. “Our on-campus housing is an important piece of that value, and our students need and deserve modern living and learning facilities.”
The project will be funded long-term with bonds.
Initial utility and street preparation on South Hill began several months ago. Students living in the apartments were notified last spring that while their contracts would not be renewed, they would have the opportunity to begin new contracts in available apartments the unaffected area of South Hill, in preparation for razing of old, dilapidated apartments with 431 beds and constructing apartments with 251 single-student beds and 150 married/parenting beds. The area will also include a commons community center. The new apartments are scheduled to open in August 2026.
“As we get closer to achieving R1 Carnegie Research status, it is imperative we provide the high-quality housing that graduate students and families need to continue their educational journey,” said Cami McClure, associate vice president for Auxiliary Services, which oversees university housing.
Renovations of Theophilius Tower and Wallace Complex will be done in phases, with completion happening from August 2025 to August 2027.
Theophilus Tower was constructed in 1969, with no major renovations since. Wallace Complex was built in 1963, with the last major renovation done in portions of the building in 2021.
The South Hill apartments were built in 1970, and several units have already been demolished or taken out of service.
U of I also received approval from the board to enter into a development agreement with Gilbane Development Co. as the lead contractor for the project.