Northeastern Illinois University has broken ground on the school's first-ever residence hall, aiming for fall 2016 occupancy. View Full Caption DNAinfo/Patty Wetli; Northeastern Illinois University

NORTH PARK — Northeastern Illinois University has broken ground on its first-ever residence hall, expected to be open for occupancy in the fall of 2016.

Not to be confused with the university's controversial use of eminent domain to snap up properties on Bryn Mawr for student housing, the dorm now under construction is being built on NEIU's campus in the footprint of a former parking lot.

Once complete, the six-story residence hall will have the capacity to house 440 students, who will have a choice between a two-bedroom/two-bathroom or a four-bedroom/two-bathroom configuration (see floor plans). Both options come fully furnished, including sectional sofa, entertainment center and kitchen appliances.

Among the amenities: a fitness center, washers/dryers on each floor, computer center with Mac computers and private study lounges.

NEIU is the only public university in Illinois without a residence hall.

"Students choose not to come here because we don't have student housing," Frank Ross, NEIU's vice president for student affairs, said at a recent community forum.

The addition of housing, part of the university's "Decade of Dreams" strategic plan, will not only help NEIU's recruitment efforts but also has been shown to boost retention and student achievement, Ross said.

Housing applications will be open this fall, with decisions still to be made on how acceptances will be handled, NEIU spokesman Mike Dizon said.

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