If the University of Colorado decides to build a hotel-conference center on campus, one of the sites it will consider is an area just outside the northeast corner of Folsom Field, Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson said.

The school began a survey this week to gauge the need for such a facility and the City of Boulder has postponed further discussion of a possible hotel and conference center at 14th Street and Canyon Boulevard awaiting the survey results. Peterson said CU's plans would also likely include a performing arts center.

The area near Folsom Field -- now home to the grounds and recycling center and the health physics laboratory -- is just one of five different options that have been proposed to Peterson by different groups. Renderings already exist for most of the proposed locations, including the Folsom Field site.

"We certainly haven't made any decisions and haven't really started to evaluate specific concepts yet," Peterson said.

Two other possible sites are a location in the heart of campus at the Euclid parking facility and another parking lot across the street from Regent Hall. Parking is already limited on campus but the project would probably not exacerbate the problem because it would likely include an underground parking facility.

Peterson said each site has its merits, but his focus won't turn to possible locations unless the survey results show there is a definite need for hotel space and more meeting rooms on campus.

If the school approved the project and ultimately decided on the Folsom Field location, the project would not lead to any addition to the stadium or closing in the north end, something football coach Dan Hawkins says he hopes to see in the future.

One drawback of the area near Folsom Field is the limited amount of space. Peterson said the school will work with the city and the Urban Land Institute to identify the best location if it chooses to go ahead with the project. Boulder-based consulting firm RRC Associates is directing the survey.

Athletic director Mike Bohn said a campus hotel would likely be filled with CU sports fans dozens of nights each year before and after games. He said it would also be an attraction for recruits, who stay at a variety of locations now.

"Any time the University of Colorado has a chance to enhance hospitality and convention service that is certainly a benefit to athletics and the entire campus," Bohn said. "An on-campus hotel would be a boost to recruiting and for the hospitality of boosters and visitors to complement the other outstanding properties in Boulder."

Peterson said he is optimistic the project could be completed within five years if it is needed, but he acknowledged a large project such as a hotel and convention center would require the cooperation and input of many different groups on campus.