By: Iman Thibodeaux, Feature Editor
Photos by: Lindon Horn, Photographer

The University of South Alabama dabbled in a bit of real estate in 2024 after making the decision to purchase Traditions apartment complex. Conveniently located on Old Shell Road, the complex faces the campus recreational center and baseball facility. The purchase totaling to $20.2 million was just the right investment to tackle the growing undergraduate enrollment and housing need. With 33 residence halls and seven residential communities, Traditions makes its debut as the 34th residential facility on campus.  

In an email sent by the University’s Office of Marketing and Communications on Dec. 20, 2024, USA President Jo Bonner addressed the purchase.

“It’s an exciting time at the University of South Alabama as more students are choosing South for their education, and we want to accommodate as many of them as possible in University-owned housing,” said President Bonner. “A record number of students are living on campus to take advantage of everything we offer them, and this latest addition to USA Housing will provide more opportunities to enjoy life on a college campus.”

What does this mean for the current residents living in Traditions? Current residents are expected to complete their lease before being subjected to any new terms or conditions.

Faith Sager, a junior at South, said, “[Traditions] made it clear that [they were] not going to change anything until the lease is up in August.”

While it is an “exciting” venture for the university, students felt uncertain upon hearing the news. 

Sager was one of many students who mentioned feeling worried about “the unknown.” 

“I didn’t know what was going on,” said Sager. “Traditions didn’t really tell us [anything], even though South stated in the newsletter that the leasing manager had reached out to tenants. I heard about it from South first and then maybe six hours later, Traditions sent an email to the residents telling them what happened.”

Brooke Kearney, a sophomore at South, said, “I was very nervous, but once I found out it was fine for South students, I wasn’t worried about it at all. Honestly, I thought, ‘Oh, maybe it’ll be a good thing.’ Maybe they’ll be able to run it well.”

So far, the University began a phased renovation of empty apartments and other areas of the property last month. The totality of South’s plans for Traditions is yet to be seen.

“They haven’t sent out the lease renewals yet, so I haven’t been able to really look over what all is going to change and not change, but so far it looks like everything will mostly stay the same,” said Kearney. “Hopefully they’ll be able to give it some stability with who’s managing it.”

Traditions at South will be a housing option for students living on campus in the fall semester of 2025. To keep up with USA housing, visit the university website or follow their Instagram.

Faith Sager (L) and Brooke Kearney (R) experienced some uncertainty when the University announced its purchase of the Traditions Apartments. Photos by Lindon Horn.