The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts in Boise has broken ground on a $4 million restroom expansion and modernization project — the first significant renovation at the venue since it opened more than four decades ago. The project will nearly double the number of restroom stalls and introduce a range of accessibility upgrades at the 1,994-seat Boise State University affiliate on the Treasure Valley’s premier performing arts stage.
A Long-Overdue Upgrade at a Boise Landmark
The Morrison Center has welcomed audiences since 1984, and the building’s restroom facilities have not kept pace with the demands of modern theatergoers. After years of patron feedback pointing to restrooms as a top priority, the center moved forward with a project designed to address both capacity and accessibility in a meaningful way.
Lombard Conrad Architects — the same Boise firm behind the original building’s design — is leading the architectural work, lending the renovation a sense of continuity with the center’s roots. CORE Construction and Boise State University Facilities are also involved in overseeing design and construction. All firms were selected through a competitive state bidding process.
Executive Director Laura Kendall said the project reflects years of listening to the people who fill those seats. “For years, our patrons told us what they needed most. This project is our answer.”
What the Renovation Includes
Beyond simply adding stalls, the renovation incorporates several features aimed at making the Morrison Center more welcoming and functional for a broad range of visitors. Two new restrooms will feature adult changing tables and ADA-compliant fixtures that exceed current accessibility standards. The project also includes a quiet space designed for nursing mothers and patrons with sensory sensitivities — an amenity increasingly common in modern public venues but largely absent from older performing arts facilities.
Lobby layout and crowd flow patterns will also be improved as part of the renovation. Eco-conscious design elements are woven throughout, including low-flow water systems, LED lighting, and the use of recycled materials where applicable.
For Ada County families and Boise-area theatergoers who have long navigated the center’s cramped facilities during intermission, the changes are expected to make a noticeable difference in the overall experience.
No Public Funds or Student Fees Involved
One detail likely to resonate with Ada County taxpayers and Boise State families: the entire $4 million project is being funded through private donations, internal loans, and organizational reserves. No taxpayer dollars and no student fees are being used to finance the work — a fact the center has emphasized as it moves into construction.
That funding structure stands in contrast to many capital improvement projects at public institutions, where facility upgrades often come with a cost to state budgets or tuition payers. The Morrison Center’s approach keeps the financial burden off the public while still delivering an upgrade to a facility that serves the broader Boise community. It also comes at a time when major venue investments are drawing attention across the region — Boise State is separately evaluating stadium upgrades at Albertsons Stadium following a sold-out Monster Truck event earlier this year.
Construction Timeline and Summer Programming
Work kicked off immediately following the final performance of the Broadway touring production “Mamma Mia!” and is scheduled to run through the summer months, with a target completion date before the fall season begins. Scheduling construction during the summer off-season is intended to minimize disruption to the center’s regular programming calendar.
Notably, the Morrison Center stage will remain open for select events while construction proceeds. One major offering during the construction window is “The Magician’s Table,” an immersive magic experience running from July 9 through August 16. Patrons attending summer events should expect some changes to facility access and traffic flow during that period.
What Comes Next
The Morrison Center expects construction to wrap up in time for the full return of performances this fall. Patrons interested in following the progress of the project can find updates and details at morrisoncenter.com/morrison-center-restroom-renovation. Those planning to attend “The Magician’s Table” or other summer events should check the center’s website for any facility-related notices before their visit.