New projects are coming to the campus of Nicholls State University in order to improve life in the community. Many projects include renovations, damage repairs and additions to make Nicholls a safer place. 

The Glass Greenhouse, which will be used to house the Bridge to Independence Bakery, has been in construction and is expected to be complete by early September. It has been funded by Capital Outlay along with private donations and has rounded up to a total cost of $812 thousand. With GD Architecture, LLC and Jones Construction, this structure will be a 23’ x 48’ glass greenhouse with hydroponic features. The Bridge to Independence students will assist in running this facility. 

Danielle Breaux, Director of Facilities and Project Management, said she is really excited for this project.“We cannot wait to see it. It’s going to be awesome and it’s going to be beautiful too.[…] That little bitty greenhouse is one of my proudest moments because it was so hard to get!” 

Some changes are also coming to the Welcome Center and Alumni House. The architect will be selected in November of this year and the project, funded by Capital Outlay and a private donation, will cost around $3,625,000. 

Drainage improvements around campus will also be made. Being funded by Capital Outlay as well, these will cost $2 million and the engineer will be selected this October. 

Included in the funding from deferred maintenance, all transformers on campus will be cleaned and tested, though the date is to be determined. The cost will be $110 thousand. 

Due to the safety breaches of various schools around the country, Nicholls is investing in a new camera system to ensure the safety of the community. The cost is estimated to be around $160 thousand and will come from the safety fund and Board of Regents. All other information has not yet been determined. 

Ellender Residence Hall will undergo an elevator replacement around Spring 2024. The contract is currently en route and the pre-construction meeting will be held once the contract is executed. With Standard Industrial as the contractor on the project, it is set to cost $200 thousand and will be funded by NSU Facilities Corporation, 501 (c) 3. 

With so many changes coming to the campus of Nicholls State University, students and faculty should prepare for construction zones and keep in mind that the money that has been allocated to the renovation of these campus structures could only be used for campus construction and has no effect on budget cuts happening elsewhere in the university.