Theophilus Tower

Location: University of Idaho Campus on Paradise Creek Street

History: Enrollment growth created a need for more residential campus housing on the University of Idaho Campus. Construction on Theophilus Tower began in November 1967. Dubbed "Complex X," two towers and a common building with dining facilities and student service oriented offices were planned. The first phase of the construction, Tower A, was the only part of Complex X to actually be constructed.

Constructuion was completed in 1969, and the dorm was named for Donald R. Theophilus, University of Idaho President 1954-1965. It went into use in 1970 as the University’s first dormitory to house both male and female students. While this is common today, in 1970 coed dorms were a fairly rare occurrence. In 1982, it was changed to an all-female dormatory.

Interesting points: While not a skyscraper by big city standards, it certainly qualified in Idaho in 1976. The eleven story building is currently the second tallest building on the University of Idaho campus, and when it was constructed, the tower was among the tallest buildings in the northwest.

The building is so tall that when it was completed, the University had to buy the Moscow Fire Department a new hook & ladder truck so they would have the capability to reach the upper floors, since their existing equipment fell 5 stories short.

Theopholis Tower enjoys many rich traditions. One of which is the Tower Trick-or-Treat. This is an event held every Halloween wherein the on campus residents of the University come together to create a safe place in which the children of the surrounding area may come to trick-or-treat. Another tradition is the McCoy Sacrifice to the Elevator Gods. At the end of each school year, the women of McCoy hall, which occupies the tenth and eleventh floors, collect used clothing as a sacrifice to the elevator gods. The sacrificed goods are donated to local charities.

Statistics: This eleven story, 90779 square foot building accommodates 416 students. It cost $2.5 million to build. The architect was Drooping & Kelley of Boise.

Construction: The main support columns are steel beams encased in reinforced concrete. These columns are supported by huge concrete footings which sit on piles driven into the soil. Each of the floors is made of concrete supported by steel sheeting and joists. The red brick on the exterior is a facade to help the structure fit in with the surrounding buildings on campus.