Things apparently moved quickly once it was decided that SLII -University of Louisiana today- would be built in Lafayette. The first set of bids for buildings were thrown out because they work had not been advertised long enough.
According to the New Orleans Picayune of April 11, 1900, "The building committee of the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute met today for the purpose of considering bids for the construction of the institute buildings. A number of bids were opened, but the committee decided to reject all and readvertise for propositions to be considered May 1. The action of the committee is based partly on the fact that barely two weeks have been given bidders to submit estimates on the plans and specifications of such large buildings. There were present Profs. Brown Ayres, E.L. Stevens, Dr. James A. Lee, Senator Robert Martin, and Captain J.C. Buchanan."
Advertiser April 9 2004