Idaho State University has chosen Radnor Property Group to design, finance, and build a new student housing complex on the Pocatello campus. The university announced the selection as part of its effort to expand on-campus living options without adding debt to its balance sheet.
The project will add 370 beds to ISU’s housing inventory, addressing a persistent shortage that has left current facilities at full capacity for several years. University officials plan to break ground in August 2027, with students expected to move into the new apartments by fall 2029.
Avoiding Institutional Debt
The decision to partner with a private developer marks ISU’s first public-private housing venture. University leadership opted for this model to keep the estimated $30 million to $40 million project cost off the university’s books. By using a public-private partnership, ISU avoids taking on new institutional debt while still expanding its housing stock.
Brian Sagendorf, an ISU official involved in the project, described the initiative as a “real transformational project” that addresses a high need for the university. He noted that the administration favored Radnor’s initial concept of multiple block buildings because it offers a more cost-effective construction approach.
Site Selection and Design
The new complex will occupy a five-acre site on the northern edge of Bartz Field, located behind Reed Gym and across from McIntosh Manor. The design calls for four three-story apartment buildings surrounding a central commons space. Each building will contain approximately 25,000 square feet, bringing the total project area to 103,800 square feet.
University planners considered alternative locations on campus but rejected them due to higher costs. Sites such as a vacant lot along South Fifth Avenue and parking areas between East Putnam and East Terry streets would have required garage-level parking, which significantly increases construction expenses. The Bartz Field location allows for surface parking and more efficient building layouts.
Selection Process
The Idaho State Board of Education authorized a nationwide procurement process roughly a year ago to find a developer for the housing expansion. ISU reviewed between 12 and 15 qualification submissions from interested firms before narrowing the field to four finalists. Radnor Property Group’s proposal was selected as the most cost-effective option among the contenders.
Radnor Property Group, founded in 1999, brings extensive experience to the project. The firm has partnered with 40 higher education institutions and has completed $4 billion in capital improvements, including 9 million square feet of student housing. Company leadership boasts more than 70 years of combined experience in the sector.
Addressing Housing Demand
The push for new housing stems from a 30-year master campus plan completed by ISU in late 2024. Current on-campus housing serves only about 15 percent of the student body, despite existing facilities being at 100 percent occupancy. With annual enrollment ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 students, waitlists for dormitories have been a recurring issue.
The university’s primary campus currently offers 1,200 beds, which are fully booked. The addition of the 370-bed complex will provide much-needed relief for students seeking on-campus living arrangements. The project aligns with broader efforts to modernize campus infrastructure and improve student retention through better housing availability.
Next Steps
With the developer selected, ISU will move forward with finalizing construction plans and securing necessary permits. The August 2027 groundbreaking date sets a clear timeline for the project’s progression. If construction proceeds as scheduled, the new housing will be ready for occupancy in time for the fall 2029 semester.
The completion of this complex will represent a significant milestone in ISU’s long-term campus development strategy. By leveraging private investment, the university aims to expand its housing capacity while maintaining fiscal responsibility and avoiding additional debt burdens on taxpayers and students.