Northern Kentucky University has broken ground on a new residential building, the first student housing construction on the Highland Heights campus since 2003.

The university says the five-story, 77,200 square-foot development will provide 297 beds in a semi-suite-style.

“We know students who live on campus have higher retention and persistence rates, remain engaged and have a more fulfilling collegiate experience," says President Ashish Vaidya. "This is an essential factor when we look at how to be a student-ready institution, and this new complex will offer more opportunities to build a community on campus."

Northern Kentucky’s last residential construction was University Suites in 2003.

The new residence hall will have dedicated study hubs and a double-sided kitchen.  

“This will be a modern living and learning environment unlike traditional residence halls offered,” says Arnie Slaughter, co-interim chief Student Affairs officer and dean of students. “We listened to the feedback from our students when we designed this building, and we think they will be pleased to see it under construction.” 

The residence hall is scheduled to open in 2021; the university is aiming for the project to receive LEED Silver certification.