LSUA On-Campus Living:
Today, the TT reported that LSUA is consulting with five developers, only one of whom is from Louisiana, in order to plan the construction of a garden-style on-campus apartment complex. FINALLY!
It’s obvious there is a demand. But why, you may ask, aren’t any local developers involved in this project? Well… please correct me if I am wrong, but it is my understanding that LSUA is attempting to get a developer to LEASE the land for a very limited period of time. They’re looking for a partner, plain and simple.
The problem is: The locals know that there is plenty of land for sale DIRECTLY across the street from LSUA, and why would anyone in their right mind want to incur most of the costs and the risks without the security of ownership?
But still, it makes sense on LSUA’s part, and I really, really hope this deal works.
“One proposal suggested rent at $375 per bed, per month for a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, and $400 per month, per bed for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment.”
Incredibly expensive rates: $750 for a 2/1 and $800 for a 2/2! This would make it the most expensive complex in town (until the new one out at the Lakes opens). They’ll probably be able to demand these rates due to the lack of housing out there.
CenLamar 
My guess is the rate includes all utilities, cable, and probably telephone service. Still high but more reasonable.
Also, maybe they studied “Patel on Ground Leases”. This is a helpful tome on how to get what one wants without much extra trouble. The forward is by Kelvin Sanders.
actually, if rent included all expenses, like cable and utilities, then it’s a great deal.
oh, and you know that the ground lease thing is in the new master plan:
they say something like, “the city should pursue 50-year ground leases on public property in order to stimulate private industry, while retaining land ownership.”