Renovations begin on NSU’s La Maison

Come this summer, Nicholls State University will complete the second phase of its largest university renovation project in 20 years, the on-campus apartment complex.

“I am pleased with the progress,” said Dr. Stephen T. Hulbert, university president. “Nicholls is committed to providing a high standard of living for its on-campus residents, not only at La Maison but at all our residence halls.”

The university purchased La Maison du Bayou, a privately-owned complex housed on Nicholls campus, from the Collegiate Housing Foundation in 2007 for a little more than $16 million. The funds were derived from the $50 million in bonds Nicholls began selling in August 2007.

Work began immediately on a variety of physical improvements, including replacing furniture and appliances, re-flooring every apartment and transitioning the fresh water pool to salt water. The estimated cost of the renovation is $664,000.

Nicholls’ assistant vice president for administration Mike Davis said students will live freely, but noted the complex is under university management and the university’s residential life program so residents must still abide by Nicholls’ student code.

Room and board also remains under the university’s guidelines. The new units are available in private and semi-private suites. The apartments are two bedrooms to four-bedrooms and, on average, rent for $511 per month for a 12-month lease or $529 for a nine-month lease.

The complex is slated to house upperclassmen, according to university housing guidelines. Students were allowed to move into the complex at the beginning of the 2007-08 but were moved from apartment to apartment during the renovation process.

The La Maison renovations comprise only a portion of the residential overhaul currently under way at Nicholls. Three additional residence halls are currently under construction.

A three-story, 2002-bed facility for honor students is being constructed across from Galliano Hall Cafeteria and two facilities of equal capacity on the east side of campus by Bowie Road. The estimated cost for the new dorms is $20 million.

“The lifestyles and needs have changed since our residential halls were built. Now students have cellular phones and laptops computers and are accustomed to privacy and fashionable décor in their rooms,” Davis said. “We are taking a giant leap into the future by improving the way of life for our students.”

Upon the completion of the new residential halls, four of the campus’s older residential halls are slated to be demolished – Meade (built in 1972), Long (1967), Millet (1965) and Zeringue (1964). The demolition is estimated to cost $1.4 million, and the renovation is slated to cost $2.5 million.

North and South Babington Halls, built in 1964 and 1965 respectively, will be closed. Officials are uncertain what the buildings will be used for in the future.

Extensive renovations will also be done to Ellender Hall (1968) and Calecas Hall, which was the last major housing construction on campus in 1977. Davis said Ellender will house 150 students instead of 307. Calecas will be renovated to house the overflow of students.

University president Hulbert said these efforts are all part of a larger initiative to recruit and retain students.

“For Nicholls to continue to attract top quality students, a comfortable standard of on campus living must be a priority,” he said. “In our effort to maintain and strengthen that standard, we are indeed succeeding.”

The dorm construction is scheduled for completion just in time for the beginning of school in the fall.