Last October, students were notified that they must vacate their vehicles from the 39-space silver parking lot across the street from the Student Recreation Center in anticipation of a new Red Star Coffee location. The drive-through coffee stand is currently located on Pullman Road, a few blocks from the lot.
According to Pullman Radio, the Idaho State Board of Education was asked for approval in October. The deal called for the University of Idaho to fund $225,000 for on-site utilities, while the remaining site development would be covered by Red Star Coffee. The proposed lease spanned over the next ten years and would cost Red Star $42,000 annually, increasing by just over $6,000. This lease revenue would then cover UI’s cost to help develop the site.
In June, the Idaho State Board of Education revisited the lease with a new amendment, which would extend the term from ten years to twenty, with two five-year renewal options. The new rent schedule would allow previously approved payments for the first five years to now be collected in the final five years of the newly extended lease term.
Utility infrastructure is currently being put in at the lot. An opening date for the stand has not been announced yet.
In related news, Vandal Brew will soft launch in the VandalStore this week, giving students multiple new locations on campus for food and drink in the future.
UI spokesperson Jodi Walker wrote to The Argonaut, “We are excited to be able to offer students and employees options.”
Julia Kolman can be reached at [email protected].