LSU, RISE Win Best Campus Project Award
The university and developer were recognized at the P3 Higher Education Summit for excellence in public-private residential housing development.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Higher Education
LSU and developer RISE won the Best Campus Project award at the P3 Higher Education Summit held in San Francisco on November 4 and 5, 2026. The honor recognizes excellence in residential facility development delivered through a public-private partnership.
Why it matters
The award highlights a redevelopment model that converted underused university land into large-scale student housing. It shows how universities in Baton Rouge are addressing demand for upperclassman and graduate housing.
The redevelopment covers 28 acres along Nicholson Drive and adds 4,782 student bedspaces across more than 2 million square feet. Approximately $580 million was spent across four phases, and the final phase is projected for completion in 2027.
The players
Louisiana State University (LSU)
LSU is the flagship public university in Baton Rouge and the state's largest higher education institution.
RISE
RISE is the private developer that partnered with LSU on the public-private student housing redevelopment.
The details
The LSU and RISE partnership, launched in February 2016, redeveloped underutilized university land through phased construction. Nicholson Gateway and Spruce Hall were built between 2016 and 2018, followed by expansions of Cedar, Evangeline and Highland halls and the addition of Azalea and Camellia halls.
Timeline
February 2016: LSU and RISE partnership launched.
2016-2018: Nicholson Gateway and Spruce Hall developed.
2017-2019: Cedar, Evangeline and Highland halls expanded.
2019-2021: Azalea and Camellia halls added.
November 4-5, 2026: Award presented at the P3 Higher Education Summit in San Francisco.
Campus Housing Model
The LSU and RISE project follows a broader pattern of universities using public-private partnerships to finance student housing without direct state construction budgets. Its phased approach on existing campus land shows how such deals can scale over a decade.
Students seeking upperclassman or graduate housing near campus will see more than 4,782 new bedspaces as the redevelopment progresses. Prospective residents should check LSU housing listings as the final phase approaches completion in 2027.
The takeaway
Public-private partnerships can turn underused university land into large housing developments without relying solely on state budgets. The LSU model shows how phased construction can meet growing demand over several years.
What happens next
The final phase of the Nicholson Drive redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Higher Education coverage from across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBRZ.
