La Maison du Bayou, a $15.2 million privatized housing project, will be open to current and future students and their parents today and Friday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Housing representatives will give tours and answer questions about the facilities as well as show off a furnished four-bedroom model and clubhouse.
“We wanted to get the concept out there, open the doors up so students can see what this experience is all about,” Doug Graham, vice president for Collegiate Management, said.
According to Graham, this was a “paramount” time to open the doors due to the upcoming spring semester. “We moved faster on this project because the school really wanted the facility open for January,” Graham said.
The apartment style housing will provide 408 beds at a cost of $407 a bed for the four bedroom rooms and $445 a bed for a two bedroom room.
Collegiate Management officials said the value students are getting and the concept provided is something they are proud to provide. “Students or parents will write one check a month and everything is included,” Graham said. “The club house is open to the residents, they have access to the fitness room and meeting room; This is not a normal housing facility; this is state of the art.”
Residents will have access to a pool table, foosball table, game table and a 54″ big screen television in the lounge or clubhouse area as well as a small kitchen/lounge area. Also available will be a resort style pool and convenience center run by Sodhexo. There is also a large meeting room and fitness room with equipment for residents’ use.
Each individual complex will be completely furnished, include a full size washer and dryer, basic cable, wireless internet, local phone services, utilities, an equipped kitchen and individual alarm systems. The bedrooms within the complex will be private with keyed access, and in the event that two people are living in a four-bedroom space, the other two bedrooms would be locked, Graham said.
According to Graham, students will be able to come and go as they please, and guests may stay the night. “We only ask that a non resident not stay overnight for more than three consecutive days,” he said.
Rules similar to those in the dormitories will be enforced, and seven students will be hired as Community Leaders to aid residents. According to Graham, there will also be 24-hour emergency maintenance and on-site management if problems occur.
The Greek community has talked with representatives from Collegiate Management, and floors may be rented out for the Greek organizations. According to Graham, the Greek community has also expressed interest in using the meeting room rather than a room on campus.
Graham said the University is looking at this project as a recruiting and selling tool to lure students to Nicholls. “To attract 21st century students, we need to offer 21st century housing,” Eugene Dial, vice president for student affairs, said.
Graham said this a good way for students to remain on campus with the off campus feel. “La Maison du Bayou is only 453 steps from Bollinger Student Union. Nicholls State students can be active participants in campus life and still experience the privacy of an apartment.”