The North Gate area has seen countless changes in recent years. The area near South Baton Rouge — known as a low-income neighborhood — is where the city first began, and it is now switching gears, looking to cash in on students with money.
In December, houses on Alaska Street were torn down to make room for a luxury high-rise apartment complex, a trend that reflects changes in the area.
The north part of campus is closest to north Baton Rouge — the oldest and poorest part of the Capital City.
Baton Rouge realtor David Engle sells homes in the North Gate area of campus. He said Baton Rouge started in the north, along the water, and as the city grew it expanded toward the southeast, explaining why Old South Baton Rouge is located in the northern part of the current city spread.
In the past few years, Engle said the area has become an economic hub. With increasing development, more students and residents want to live near campus on the north side.
“In real estate, location is pretty much everything,” Engle said. “The north side is starting to become the luxury.”
Although Engle said North Gate is now marketing with a high-end focus, he maintained there will be room for residents who need affordable rent.
In the study “Concentrated Poverty and Regional Equity” by The Urban Institute in April 2013, Baton Rouge was one of the cities with the highest concentration of poverty at 60 percent, which means low-income residents tend to live together in low-income communities in Baton Rouge.
Gentrification describes a shift in communities where wealthier residents and business take over traditionally low-income areas. The standard of living in the specific area goes up, and low-income residents move.
Because gentrification is such a broad field of study, sociology professor Michael Barton said the situation in the North Gate area is closer to “studentrification” — revitalizing a new area for college students to live.
When these communities are redone, some low-income residents are forced to leave. Some leave on their own and others stay, creating class-based tension, Barton said.
“Individuals who are still there see they might be displaced, and it creates a lot of fear among residents,” Barton said.
When residents are displaced, sociologists and community members themselves have a hard time tracking down former residents. The sense of community, the neighborhood block parties and the general knowledge about fellow residents disappear.
While Engle said “rejuvenating” the area will create more businesses and jobs, developers can’t forget the importance of urban renewal and preserving historic sites.
He said when old churches or community centers are sacrificed for newer developments, they should be relocated to a different area.
“Urban renewal is really important — reinvesting back into the communities,” Engle said. “They can carry on traditions, just in a different location.”
“The north side is starting to become the luxury.”

Gallery • 11 Photos

Connor Tarter

The Northgate area transitions from low income neighborhood to luxury student areas.