HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. ⁠— Northern Kentucky University broke ground on a new, five-story residential building May 28. The 77,200 square-foot dorm, NKU's first student housing construction on campus since 2003, will provide additional living space at NKU. 

The building, which will include lounge areas, meeting rooms and a lighted event plaza, will house 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. 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,” said President Ashish Vaidya. “Especially in these uncertain times, this new construction is a welcome sign of things to come as we build the future home for our students.”

Located in the Boothe Residential Village, the building will feature an L-shape design, study areas and a double-sided kitchen. 

“This will be a modern living and learning environment unlike traditional residence halls offered,” said 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.”

NKU partnered with Messer Construction Co. for the project. 

“The Messer-TriVersity team is extremely excited to partner with NKU on this transformational Residence Hall project,” said Nick Rosian, operations vice president at Messer. “We realize the important role NKU plays in shaping the future of our region and are fortunate to play a part in moving their vision forward.”

The dorm is set to open in 2021 and become the first housing complex to achieve LEED Silver certification upon completion.