If you don't know where this is, it's kitty corner from the main entrance to NDSU and across the street from the Loaf N Jug. It's a private project and not related to NDSU but since we always seem to get criticized for similar things and this is next to campus, I tend to side with the church
Even though this isnt NDSUs project, it's a huge draw for potential Catholic students.
I think this looks like a great project. Of course the neighborhoods are complaining. Reality is they are replacing ghetto rental houses full of seasonal college students and landlords who don't maintain them which devalues the property of everyone around them. There's a reason the slum lords sold them. Obviously most college students don't have kids that go to the elementary school so this has no impact on schools.
I really like this. It's changes the whole feel and I love not seeing houses that look like they are falling over within a few blocks of the main entrance and replacing them with an impressive looking building that will change the whole feel of University. That stretch already has a mix of apartments and businesses (Bison Turf, Loaf N Jug, Laundry Mat, KFC, and more to the south) so its already got them.
Honestly, I can't wait until NDSU someday builds more along the other several blocks to the north. (like the rental houses across from the football practice fields and Benson Bunker) There is reason the NDSU Development folks are buying all the rentals on the east side of university. It creates a great border and almost everyone living there is a student anyways.
http://www.inforum.com/news/4488261-...r-neighborhood