LSUA Expects Housing Construction to Begin Next Month
8/25/2006
Article published August 18, 2006 - The Town Talk Alexandria - Pineville, Louisiana
By Mandy M. Goodnight
Louisiana State University at Alexandria received approval Thursday for campus housing.
It will be the first time the four-year university has had residential students.
"This is a tremendous step forward for the school," Chancellor Robert Cavanaugh said. "Having residential students will change the campus. It is a brave new world."
On Thursday, The Louisiana State Bond Commission gave its final approval for the $12.5 million apartment complex project. Members approved the issuance of bonds in support of the project.
The project has received the go-ahead from the Board of Regents and Board Supervisors.
The remaining steps include state approval of the project design, Cavanaugh said, adding he does not foresee the next steps delaying the university from beginning construction in mid-September.
The 252-bed housing complex is expected to open in 2007.
Cavanaugh said he is grateful for the support from the local legislative delegation who are members of the State Bond Commission -- Sen. Don Hines, Sen. Joe McPherson and Rep. Charlie DeWitt.
"The approval of housing does change things, but it is for the better," Cavanaugh said.
This is the second time LSUA has worked to have campus housing. In 2004, Century Development was hired as the contractor for an apartment complex, and the university broke ground on the project.
However, Cavanaugh said the development company ran out of money and wanted to reduce the project, which the university did not favor. The university sent out for new proposals this year.
"We have been anticipating this for so long," said Connie Cooper, president of LSUA's Student Government Association. "This is phenomenal."
Cooper said it is an exciting time for the university, its students and the community.
Many people have worked to elevate the university, and to "see these big steps finally taking place is wonderful," Cooper said.
The complex will be operated by University Housing Services, a Florida-based company, and will include an activities/community center and a swimming pool.
Students will be offered one-,two- or four-bedroom apartments at an estimated $400 per month, per student. The fee includes cable, utilities and Internet access.
The complex will be built on Tower Avenue past the Children's Center, university officials said.