BSU Foundation buys research space on ParkCenter: The deal may allow the university to improve research focus and gain space for classes and labs
BYLINE: Bill Roberts, The Idaho Statesman, Boise
Mar. 4--Boise State University is one giant step closer to launching a research park that could attract new partnerships with private corporations and house a proposed center to study western issues.
The BSU Foundation Monday agreed in principal to buy a home for a new BSU research park from Supervalu., Inc. on ParkCenter Boulevard.
BSU's goal is two-fold:
Move some of its more than 50 research centers off the main campus to make room for more classroom space and labs for the growing university.
Bring many of the research centers together under one roof and provide a home for the proposed Institute for the Next West, which would study issues including energy sustainability, urban planning and demographics in the West. The institute would not start for about two years.
Expanding research at Boise State has been a top priority for Kustra as he works to raise BSU's academic profile and create a regional research university.
A research park at ParkCenter Boulevard will provide a setting "particularly suited for the quiet time required for innovation," Kustra said. "We hope to attract our friends in the private sector and incubate ideas."
The purchase will get BSU more than a building, Kustra said. The school is "creating and building a new research culture."
The park likely would not include research from BSU science and engineering, if that requires creating extensive laboratories. But BSU has many other research programs such as the Center for Health Policy and the Andrus Center for Public Policy.
Kustra praised SuperValu for its willingness to work with BSU.
Jeff Noddle, SuperValu chairman and CEO, said the sale "allows us to support a distinguished higher education institution committed to developing the best and brightest minds, while also meeting the needs of the community."
Bill Roberts: 377-6408
Statesman Reporter Anne Wallace Allen contributed to this report
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