DeKALB | Some NIU students will have a new place to call home come August.

The Northern View Community, which is aimed at the population of students with dependents, married or partnered students, graduate students, law students and upperclassmen, is expected to be completed in time for the fall 2007 semester.

Construction has been underway since the ground-breaking ceremony on Oct. 12, 2006. The building will be located at the edge of campus, northwest of the Convocation Center. The facility is the first residential building built at NIU in 38 years.

The Northern View Community ranges from one- to three-bedroom apartments with 120 units total. Each apartment is equipped with one or two bathrooms and a full kitchen including a stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave and refrigerator. The apartments also have access to high-speed Internet, cable and laundry machines.

A Community Center for the residents of the apartment complex will also be available with a computer lab, multiple study rooms, a game room and a play room. There will also be an enclosed playground on the grounds and a large recreational field. Other conveniences include adjacent parking and direct access to the Huskie Bus Line.

“Northern View will provide many of the comforts of home with the affordable conveniences of hassle-free on-campus living,” said Kelly Wesener, executive director of Housing and Dining.

Troy Melendez, director of Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services, finds many benefits in this new facility, such as seeing families stay together and allowing parents to seek an education.

“Our hopes in Non-Traditional Student Services would be that our student population really finds their needs met,” Melendez said.

The rates range from $699 to $1,930 per month depending on the number of bedrooms and if a nine- or twelve-month contract is signed. There is no security deposit required, just a $150 pre-payment to secure the apartment. The rent rates are inclusive with all utilities, cable and high-speed Internet. Residents will be billed through the university billing process and financial aid packages can be used.

Students can download an application for the Northern View Community online at www.niu.edu/northernview or pick up an application up at the Housing and Dining administrative office located in Neptune East. Applications are currently being accepted for fall 2007 and all should be turned into the Housing and Dining administrative office.