The University of Idaho’s president’s house was in dire need of repair. The 1966 structure needed a new roof, boiler and windows. All in all, renovations could have totaled to more than $1.2 million — about the same cost of constructing an entirely new building, said Ron Smith, vice president of finance and administration.
“It was totally dysfunctional,” he said. “So we decided, ‘well, it might be better just to knock that down and get a new one.”‘
Across the street from the UI Golf Course and settled underneath the UI water tower on Nez Perce Drive, the building — known as the president’s residence — has housed UI presidents since the mid-1960s.
The university recently received approval from the UI Board of Regents to spend funds on a new house, and will present the final design plans to the board in October, Smith said.
After the plans are approved, he said the project would go up for bid to contractors with the hope of beginning the demolition phase in December.
Recently, Smith said many preliminary bids have come in at 18 to 25 percent higher than the university expected — surprising UI administrators. He said the unanticipated increase would surely be a factor in the project budget.
The preliminary design includes a two-story, brick structure that will take up approximately 6,000 square feet and include an entertainment space to accommodate dinners and receptions, Smith said.
He said the building would also be compliant with the American with Disabilities Act and is energy efficient.
“You always have to put more money in up front, but that cuts the operating costs,” Smith said.
Although construction of the house is projected to cost $1.2 to $1.3 million, Smith said demolition and contingency costs will bring the final bill of the project to $1.8 to $1.9 million.
Funding for the house will come from the UI Foundation — UI’s general donation account.
Smith said donors have been supportive of the plan and have already pledged $1.2 million to the project.
Smith said the university originally hoped to begin demolition on the house in September, but extended the plan to yield more time to raise money for the endeavor.
“We want to make sure we have the money before moving forward,” Smith said.
He said university administrators also needed more time to decide on the precise size of the house, as well as the exterior design.
Smith said the on-campus residence allows presidents to stay connected with the social fiber of campus life and be more accessible to students and faculty throughout the academic year.
He said the house has traditionally been used to host fundraisers and special events for alumni, legislators and dignitaries. Citing an example, Smith said former UI president Robert Hoover used the house for 200 events in one year.
In addition to events, Smith said the president’s home office functions as a personable place to meet with faculty and other UI administrators.
Smith said he hopes the house can be a sense of pride for students and alumni for years to come.
“This is going to be a building that will be here for many presidents,” he said. “And functional for many presidents.”
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at arg-news.uidaho.edu