Since I began attending ULM, the abandoned Starbucks on the edge of University Suites has consistently bothered me. Since the building hosted Starbucks before it was moved to the HUB, it makes sense that campus higherups might not want a second one taking up space. However, the building should not just be left to rot. The lights are kept on just as any other building on campus. Not using it is only a waste of space and money. 

Hayden DeRouen, a senior English major, shared his thoughts on the matter. 

“I think it’s a shame that a fully functioning building in the center of campus is abandoned,” DeRouen said. “It just seems wasteful.” 

I reached out to President Castille to see if there were any plans for the space. 

“The university has been evaluating potential uses for that space as part of our broader Campus Master Planning efforts. Over time, several possibilities have been explored, including concepts that would support academic programming and enhance student‑life services,” Castille said. “Most recently, we have been assessing options that would provide hands‑on learning opportunities for students. While no decisions have been finalized and no work is currently underway, the building remains part of our active planning discussions.”  

While I was pleased to know that the building was being considered, I was not satisfied by the lack of specifics. Castille directed me to Brice Jones, Ph.D., the executive of Marketing and Communications. 

“President Castille shared your inquiry with me regarding the former Starbucks building. At this time, the statement she provided reflects all available information, as her leadership team continues to assess long-term space allocation for that facility as part of broader campus planning efforts,” Jones said. “While no decisions have been finalized, we will certainly share updates once plans are confirmed.” 

While the building has not been completely abandoned, it seems to have been placed on a backburner. Another food place could help the traffic at the HUB during the lunch hour rush. Alternatively, reserving the area exclusively for RSO meetings and events would ease some of the wait times for reserving a classroom or spot outside the HUB. It could also serve as a backup for unexpected bad weather days when RSOs have reserved places outside. Simply allowing students to use it to study or talk would prevent ULM from spending money on keeping the lights on in an unused building.