Louisiana State University (LSU) on Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025 began construction on its South Quad residential project, a $200 million development that will add 1,266 on-campus beds for first-year students.
The project, located near the Business Education Complex, is the fourth phase of LSU’s ongoing housing expansion plan. It includes two residential college buildings designated for students in the College of Engineering and the E.J. Ourso College of Business. The university expects the facilities to open in fall 2027.
The development is being delivered through LSU’s public-private partnership model. RISE: A Real Estate Company is the developer, Lemoine is leading construction and Brailsford & Dunlavey and CSRS are serving as design partners. LSU has used a similar structure for several recent housing projects, including Nicholson Gateway Apartments and multiple first-year residence halls.
According to project partners, the South Quad development advanced from board approval to groundbreaking in less than a year. University officials said the new housing is intended to support enrollment growth and accommodate future freshman classes.
The LSU leaders, members of the LSU Board of Supervisors and representatives from the project team attended the groundbreaking event.
LSU is building the South Quad housing project to expand on-campus capacity for first-year students, strengthen academic and residential integration through new living-learning communities, and support the next phase of its long-term housing strategy; meanwhile in Winston-Salem, Front Street Capital is advancing a purpose-built student apartment community at The Grounds, adjacent to Wake Forest University, as part of the broader revitalization of the city’s sports and entertainment district.
LSU South Quad Residential Project: Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Groundbreaking date: Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025
Groundbreaking location: Business Education Complex
Expected completion: Fall 2027
Project Specifications
Total investment: $200 million
Capacity: 1,266 new on-campus beds for first-year students
Buildings: Two new residential college facilities
Development phase: Fourth phase of LSU’s housing development strategy
Building format: Residential colleges integrating academic identity with student living
Academic Integration
The residential colleges will serve students from:
College of Engineering
E.J. Ourso College of Business
This residential college model pairs residence life directly with academic programs, creating learning communities that support both academic performance and personal development.
Project Partners
Delivery model: Public-Private Partnership (P3)
Development partner: RISE: A Real Estate Company
Construction partner: Lemoine
Design partners:
Brailsford & Dunlavey
CSRS
Previous P3 projects at LSU:
Nicholson Gateway Apartments
Spruce Hall
Cedar Hall
Evangeline Hall
Azalea Hall
Camellia Hall
Timeline achievement: Project moved from Board of Supervisors approval to groundbreaking in under one year
