College of Eastern Idaho Constructs Future Tech Building

The College of Eastern Idaho is constructing the Future Tech building on the Idaho Falls campus. The $50 million facility will leverage connections with the region’s institutional and industry leaders to realize advances in energy resources, sustainability practices, and technological applications, while providing hands-on training to address growing workforce demands in those fields. Created in partnership with Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) and Frontier Credit Union, the 88,000-sf structure will combine flexible, state-of-the-art laboratories with inclusive learning environments to promote student collaboration and engagement. 

The vibrant development will house classrooms, field-testing labs, simulation spaces, a secure operations center, and a 4,087-sf conference venue for lectures. Standing two stories high, a central Innovations Commons is flanked by group study rooms. A large amphitheater stair will serve as an area for open presentations and informal knowledge exchange, with ample glazing providing inspiring views into surrounding teaching labs. Envisioned as a hub for the entire university community, the Future Tech building will also accommodate the BEA Applied STEM Institute which will offer outreach programs and career education for undergraduates from all majors, as well as K-12 students.

Opsis Architecture is the project’s design architect, with Lombard/Conrad Architects as associate architect and Andersen Construction as general contractor. Occupancy is slated for fall of 2026.