NKU Breaks Ground On New Student Housing, First Since 2003

The new student housing building is scheduled to open in 2021.

(Highland Heights, Ky.) - Northern Kentucky University is breaking ground on a new residential building for the first time since 2003. 

The new student housing building will be a five-story, 77,200 square-foot development to fulfill the need for affordable living space at NKU.

With more student choosing to live on campus, this project will meet the increase for that demand. The 297 beds in a semi-suite-style will create a sense of community among residential students with lounges, meeting rooms, and a lighted event plaza. 

“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.”

The L-shape design will create a focal point for the Boothe Residential Village along Kenton Drive. The residence hall will also feature dedicated study hubs 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.” 

To lead the project’s construction, NKU partnered with Messer Construction Co., a nationally ranked firm that specializes in managing, developing and performing complex commercial construction.

“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.”

This project is scheduled to open in 2021 and will be the first housing complex to achieve LEED Silver certification. 

For more on NKU’s University Housing, visit its website. 

Residence Hall Rendering.