Campus Planning History

1908 Sketch

By John Charles Olmsted

In 1908 the nation's premier landscape architects, the Olmsted Brothers of Massachusetts, designed a master plan for Idaho's university, creating a new campus to complement the new Administration Building.

Enlarged Version

ca. 1925 Future Development Map

By Rudolph Weaver, Moscow, Idaho

Weaver was the chair of the Architecture department and campus architect. He is the architect of record for the Life Science South building.

Enlarged Version

1947 Long Range Plan

by Victor Jones, Boise, Idaho

Today the Agricultural Science addition and Executive Residence occupy the locations proposed in this plan. Many other elements, however, are significantly different than campus today.

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1955 Long Range Plan

By Victor Jones, Seattle, Washington

Many elements of this plan are present in the campus today. Most notably the Swim Center, and PEB are in the locations shown in this plan. The Family Housing on Sweet Avenue is in the location proposed here. Also, the Colleges of Natural Resources and Education are in locations shown as "Instruction" in this plan.

Enlarged Version

1971 Planning Study

for the University of Idaho

Several buildings in this plan were constructed including the Hartung Theater and College of Law. The ring road and proposed water feature are significantly different than what exists today.

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1997 Illustrative Plan

Prepared by Gordon Walker

Prominent Seattle architect Gordon Walker, a University of Idaho alum, was hired by the office of Capital Planning in the 1990's to serve as a special consultant and advisor in the planning process that led to the current long range campus development plan. Mr. Walker was also the lead designer for the J.A. Albertson College of Business building while working in collaboration with YGH Architects and Design West Architects.

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Illustrative Plan of Projects

Map outlining the projects planned in the LRCDP, updated with projects that have been completed over the years.

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Long-Range Campus Development Plan

Introduction to campus planning and the current LRCDP.

Long Range Campus Development Plan

Building Dedications and Date Stones

This document contains photos and location descriptions of many of the historic markers on several campus buildings and structures.

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