Nicholson Gateway and Greenhouse District

CSRS played a pivotal role in providing development advisory services to the LSU Foundation and University for the groundbreaking Nicholson Gateway Development and Greenhouse District projects, with a combined value of approximately $316 million. Spanning a 28-acre site between West Chimes Street and Skip Bertman Drive, the LSU Nicholson Gateway has redefined one of the largest remaining underdeveloped tracts of university property adjacent to the campus core. Envisioned initially as one of the nation's most extensive on-campus Public-Private Partnerships (P3), it has since evolved into a vibrant area that blends seamlessly with the University's campus, now home to 1,530 beds of apartment-style student housing, structured parking, 48,000 sq. ft. of retail space, and improved landscapes.

The Greenhouse District encompasses on-campus and off-campus areas, including the former Kirby Smith site, the old Greenhouse site, and undeveloped land along Ben Hur Road. These sites will be transformed into new student housing, an outdated agriculture center will be relocated to a new facility, and existing housing, landscapes, and agricultural facilities will be upgraded to meet future program development needs.

CSRS provided comprehensive services in the following three key areas:

Development Advisory:

As the Development Advisor, CSRS organized, structured, and facilitated the Public-Private Partnership (P3) between the LSU Foundation and developers. Our team conducted stakeholder meetings, reviewed and assessed existing University planning documents, and verified market research. We also reviewed financial models, tested capital costs, analyzed funding strategies, and pre-qualified developers. Further, the CSRS team managed the entire proposal process—from developer solicitation to contractual term negotiations.

Development Management:

CSRS led comprehensive project due diligence and developed design criteria packages, including property abstractions, entitlements, environmental testing, utility coordination, and infrastructure impact analyses. Our team oversaw consultant procurement and regulatory reviews and facilitated design reviews to ensure the highest project standards were met.

Construction Management:

As Construction Manager, CSRS oversaw all aspects of construction, including quality management, budgeting, scheduling, dispute resolution, and project closeout coordination. Our oversight extended through the warranty period to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the facilities.

CSRS has been instrumental in transforming LSU’s campus, helping to create spaces that foster student life and academic growth while enhancing the University’s infrastructure for future generations.