As the spring semester continues to proceed, many students are faced with the extra stress of deciding where to live during the summer and/or fall semesters.
The Venue at North Gate, which currently is under construction, is “unlike any other college community,” said Carlie Cresse, the manager at The Venue.
The upscale living at The Venue focuses on students, which is what Baton Rouge needs, Cresse said.
Cresse said location, time and money should be taken into consideration before choosing an apartment.
Convenience to campus is a priority for many students when choosing an apartment.
“Location is No. 1 because they’re practically on campus,” said Samantha Sterling, the marketing manager at The Venue. “The dorms are the only thing closer. There’s nothing else like this in Baton Rouge.”
Since students lead such busy lives, they often express concerns about saving time.
One benefit to living at The Venue is that residents are within walking distance of the University, which will prevent students from having to wait for the LSU
bus, she said.
They also can walk out of their front door to go eat or go out. In addition, the 24-hour fitness center will allow students to work out at their own convenience.
While The Venue is rather expensive, Sterling stressed that “you are putting yourmoney into one place.”
Another major concern for students is parking availability.
Cresse and Sterling said parking will not be an issue since there is a five-level parking garage with
more spaces than the number of residents. They said residents will be able to park their cars in the parking garage and go by foot instead of driving, saving both time and money.
“It’s all one package,” Cresse said.
Among the many residential services available are a continental breakfast served Saturday mornings, an on-site book exchange and package acceptance and delivery.
For an additional fee, students can take advantage of the valet dry
cleaning service, maid service and on-site personal trainer.
The apartments are “setting the trend for the future of student housing by taking it to the next level,” Cresse said. “They brought “Sex in the City” to Baton Rouge.”
Each unit has maple cabinets and nine-inch ceilings. Some of the units have granite counters, stained concrete floors and a patio and/or balcony. These features make the apartments stand out when compared to others in the area, Sterling said. Complimentary check-out services include folding chairs, blow-up mattresses, iron and ironing board, Play Station or Xbox with games, DVD player, karaoke machine and sports equipment.
Rent includes garage parking, hi-speed Internet, a cable package and water/sewer.
The first set of apartments is scheduled to open June 1. The second set will be ready prior to the fall semester, Sterling said.
As a leasing incentive, students who achieve a 3.5 GPA or better will be given 3 percent off of their individual rent.
A 12-month lease is the only renting option available.
The Venue at North Gate is located at 220 W. State Street. For leasing information call The Venue’s leasing office toll free at (866)856-7667.
Leasing hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.