Alumni Center Overview

Alumni Center

The new Alumni Center will play an important role at Boise State University. After reviewing alumni centers at five other universities and evaluating the advancement space needs at Boise State University, a joint planning committee prepared the following recommendations for Boise State's alumni center:

Spaces Approx. sf
TOTAL 33,250
Advancement Office Space 12,000
Public Event Space 13,250
Leased Space 8,000

The total square footage adds up to 33,500 of usable space but does not include hallways, storage, restrooms or stairways. With this suggested space allocation, the alumni center will provide 54% office space and 46% public/retail space.

Building Site: The Alumni Center will be built on University Drive between Grant and Denver streets and will encompass the site of the current Alumni Center and the adjacent parking lot.

Public Event Spaces

Alumni centers in general serve the university and the surrounding community by providing state of the art, high quality event and meeting space on campus. The meeting and event spaces are utilized by members of the campus community for departmental meetings, special events and banquets, and other important activities. The spaces are also utilized by alumni and the community for similar events, wedding receptions, business meetings, trade shows and more. Renting event space provides income to help offset alumni center operations. Of the five centers the committee reviewed, each generated some revenue through space rentals and catering revenue agreements.

It is recommended that the Boise State Alumni Center contain a combination of the following public event space:

  • Entrance Hall: the front gallery/entry to the Alumni Center. A grand entrance will set the appropriate tone and may be used for small receptions.
  • One large banquet room: between 3,000 – 5,000 square feet with the ability to divide in half or into four smaller spaces. Total seating capacity at round tables for the entire space should be between 300 and 500.
  • Two unique outdoor event spaces: one garden space featuring grass and landscaping and a second bricked area or terrace. One of the outdoor spaces will be associated with the large banquet room.
  • One memorabilia/reception room: a library type room will feature university history exhibits and displays. While the space will be designed to showcase the university's rich history, it can also be used for receptions or meetings.
  • One casual event space: lounge with a fireplace, couches, chairs, small work tables/chairs, and a built in bar area. This space can be used by students, alumni and other visitors on a daily basis or reserved for medium sized receptions/events.
  • One sizable coatroom: for winter events and activities.
  • Kitchen/Prep/Storage: space and loading/unloading doors and docks adjacent to the banquet hall catering space.

The committee also recommends that the Alumni Center have as much on-site parking as the space will allow. It is recommended that a minimum of 20 convenient parking spaces be provided for visitors near the front entry.

Architects will be tasked with creative parking solutions for more spaces if underground parking proves to be cost prohibitive.

Public Event Spaces Size Sf
TOTAL   13,250
Entrance Hall/Hall of Fame 35x35 1,225
Banquet Room 70x70 5,000
Memorabilia Room 30x30 900
Casual Event Space/Lounge 30x30 900
Coat Room 15x15 225
Kitchen/Prep/Storage Space 50x50 2,500
Outdoor Terrace/Plaza 50x50 2,500

Advancement Office Spaces

The advancement leadership developed a long-term plan for staff growth. The joint planning committee used this plan to develop a grid of office space needs to accommodate such growth. The new Alumni Center will unify advancement within one central location, allowing the programs to work more closely in their efforts to strengthen Boise State University.

In addition to offices, the work space will include four conference rooms that, when not utilized by staff, may be rented like other public spaces in the building. A fifth formal board room will be large enough to accommodate meetings by the entire Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Foundation Board of Directors. This Past President's Board Room would be highly appropriate as a reception or meeting space for the Idaho State Board of Education during its annual campus visit. Other visiting dignitaries and groups could also utilize this elegant room.

  • Past President's Board Room will recognize the past service and achievements of former presidents and board members of the Alumni Association and the Foundation. The room will feature a view of Bronco Stadium and accommodate board meetings.

Advancement Office Spaces

Room Type Size Sf Number Total Sf
TOTAL       11,708*
Executive Offices 15x15 225 6 1,350
Offices 10x10 100 32 3,200
Cubicles 9x9 81 28 2,268
Past President's Board Room 35x45 1,575 1 1,575
Conference Room 15x23 345 4 1,380
Call Center 15x23 345 1 345
Event Storage Room 15x23 345 1 345
Photo Studio 15x23 345 1 345
Work Rooms 10x15 150 4 600
Records Storage 10x15 150 1 150
Break Room 10x15 150 1 150

* Total includes assignable space only, not additional floor space such as hallways, restrooms, and stairways.

Boise State University Alumni Association Boise State University Foundation

Download the New Alumni Center Proposal (7.33 MB PDF)
.: A partnership between the Boise State Alumni Association and Boise State University Foundation :.