Louisiana State University embarked on an unprecedented project to transform the Nicholson Drive corridor from what has traditionally been the back of the campus into an exciting, mixed-use gateway development. Nicholson Gateway greatly improves the area’s vitality and aesthetic while upgrading the residential quality of life for students, enhancing the game-day experience, and improving LSU’s relationship to downtown.

As development advisors, Brailsford & Dunlavey, in partnership with Baton Rouge–based CSRS, first led a project definition exercise with LSU stakeholders and leadership that refined the development concept. With the scale and complexity of the project, the university and its affiliated LSU Property Foundation decided that a public-private partnership would more efficiently and effectively deliver the development to the community.

B&D and CSRS led a selection process that reduced risk and drove value for both the public and private partners, leading to the university reaching a successful financial close with RISE Real Estate in late 2016. During implementation, B&D and CSRS continued to assure compliance with the development program and ground lease requirements. Phase 1 opened in fall 2018, which included student housing, recreation, parking, office, retail, and infrastructure. Phase 2 opened in fall 2019.