1. Heat Plant and Substation

BYU-Idaho’s growth brings a need for more heat and power. The stacks at the Heat Plant extend 20 feet higher and meet standards set by the Department of Environmental Quality. BYU-Idaho now operates its own electrical substation providing campus with a constant, clean source of power at a lower cost than typical commercial rates.

Map out a campus visit. If you haven’t been to campus within the past three years, you’ll see plenty that’s new. According to Rulon Nielsen, architect for BYU-Idaho, it’s much easier to count the buildings on campus that have not been touched by recent construction than to tally those which have. While faculty have been drafting new curriculum, Nielsen’s role in building the university to meet the needs of students has a more literal meaning. As he reviews the university’s massive progress and the collaborative efforts of many, he states, “I acknowledge the influence of a higher architect in directing the growth of campus.” Designs for an environment that enhances students’ learning become reality through appropriation of funds, manpower, and time. We think you’ll agree that the results are most pleasing.

9. Thomas E. Ricks Gardens

The Thomas E. Ricks Gardens blend beauty and accessibility. Meandering paths are joyful to walk along and make the hillside campus more accessible for those with disabilities. Three recently completed pergolas become more picturesque as vines grow to cover the colonnades and roofs.

10. Thomas E. Ricks Building

The Thomas E. Ricks Building extends the southern corridor of campus and still remains within ten minutes walking distance to the Eliza R. Snow Center on the north boundary. The Ricks Building is a “work horse” of campus with its utilitarian nature serving thousands of students daily. A strategically-placed study area overlooking the Thomas E. Ricks Gardens has become a favored retreat.

The Eliza R. Snow Center for the Performing Arts changes dimension with three additions. The Department of Theater gains a black box theatre, two classrooms, and support facilities. The Department of Music will have an additional rehearsal room, percussion suite, and multi-use rehearsal area especially for tour groups. The third addition includes offices, practice rooms, and a tour group studio. Completion is anticipated this summer.

The Mark Austin Engineering and Technology Building has a new face on Center Street with an addition that houses the pre-architecture studies. Inside, the mechanical and computer science engineering areas are equipped to prepare students for rapidly changing vocations.

6. Jacob Spori Building

The Jacob Spori Building stands as a tribute to its pioneer predecessor; the preserved original facade is displayed at basically the same horizontal and vertical location as when the academy was opened in 1903. While holding onto the legacy, the modern facilities meet the needs of today’s communication and art majors. Art displays are open to the public including the visiting exhibits brought to the Spori Art Gallery.

The Ezra Taft Benson Agricultural and Biological Science Building’s new wing accommodates increased enrollment. Biology courses and labs range from anatomy to zoology. In the climate-controlled greenhouses, horticulture students plant seeds that will later beautify the adjacent Thomas E. Ricks Gardens.

John L Clarke Family Living Center looks the same on the outside, but the inside is renewed from utilities and data lines to ceilings and walls. Students are enjoying the new facilities for nursing, health sciences, and home and family (e.g. child development, sewing, culinary arts, and interior design). The second floor is the primary Testing Center for campus replacing the previous McKay Library location.

The George S. Romney Science Building’s renovation includes upgrades to the fire sprinkler system and fume hoods in the four new chemistry labs. A relatively low student-to-teacher ratio remains as lecture rooms increase to maximum seating of 48. The second floor was torn out wall-to-wall and replenished.