The wolf of Alaska Street is huffing, puffing and blowing down the once-affordable rental units in that area, which were ideal for low-income students. This was after he sent the refugees out to fend for themselves in the concrete jungle away from campus.
In December of 2013, Landmark Properties, a top, privately held developer of student housing, began construction for an off-campus community called The Standard at Baton Rouge. This establishment is a joint venue between Harrison Street Real Estate, a real estate private equity firm, and Landmark Properties.
This came after tenants, like myself, living in the 20 sections of land were notified by one of the 11 landowners, who sold out, that they had to vacate by late December and early January.
“It’s very rare to be able to develop almost five acres literally adjacent to a major university like this,” said Landmark President and CEO Wes Rogers in a 2013 news release. “We are excited to pair with Harrison Street to bring our ‘Standard’ branded housing to the students of Louisiana State University.”
The “standard” at The Standard is one ideal for the more fortunate students. Here I was, thinking the living essentials of a college-goer were ramen, Red Bull and Wi-Fi. It seems I was wrong. The essentials are actually a roof-top pool overlooking Tiger Stadium, a PGA-quality golf simulator and top-notch fitness facilities. This is on top of other future developments that promise lazy rivers and tanning beds.
The monthly rent at one of the purchased complexes was roughly about $525 for a one-bedroom apartment with one bath. This surely will not be the case with The Standard. Down the street at The Venue, a comparable unit rents for $920 a month.
A student with a spouse on a fixed income is simply out of luck and convenience. It would be difficult for them to live happily ever after in a dorm. The single students who once enjoyed the small safe feeling knowing there was an LSU Police Department cruiser across the street in the West Campus Apartments parking lot surely will not get that down Alvin Dark Avenue.
It may be because lavish living accommodations attract students from wealthy homes, which helps pay into the pockets of those running these fine institutions. What university would want housing in plain view from the school that resembles the tenement housing of the early 1900s? Heaven forbid that while on a campus tour, some student’s parent sees how the other half lives in college.
LSU is no exception. If you were to prick the finger of some of those receiving a six-figure salary inside the University’s political system, you would find that they bleed purple, gold and green and not in reference to Mardi Gras.
Landmark Properties describes the future establishment as unparalleled. The Standard at Baton Rouge will feature 847 beds in a range of 1 to 5 bedroom floor plans with luxury finishes like granite countertops, hardwood-style flooring, stainless steel appliances and higher-end features not often found in conventional college housing.
The thought of any student enduring the torment of a conventional lifestyle in their early 20s while in college does not evoke any sympathy from me.
When looking at the bigger picture, there is more to gain from humble beginnings as a student. One carries this over into the professional world later in life. Students being overly funded by their parents tend to suffer. Responsibility and work ethic generate an understanding of what the real essentials in life are.
The standard is raised around LSU for those who can afford it. As for those who cannot, the standard of living slides down a little more.
Justin Stafford is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Walker, La.
New housing options coming to BR

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Richard Redmann

The Exchange is a new luxury student apartment homes located on the corner of Ben Hur road and Nicholson drive.