New residence halls will soon be a reality on campus. 

The project, which calls for the construction of two buildings, will create housing for 764 freshmen and will coincide with a freshman live-on requirement that takes effect fall 2015.

The new dorms will be located on the north side of campus, between Pine and Mattielou streets.

The first building is scheduled to open August 2015, while the second is set to open January 2016.

The board of trustees approved the B.L. Harbert firm’s $26.9 million construction bid at a called meeting Monday, July 7.

The firm submitted the lowest of four qualified bids for the project, although the bids were about $3 million higher than the board anticipated, said Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Clinton Carter.

However, over the next several weeks, university administration will look for new ways to cut costs, Carter said.

He said the board can negotiate with the contractor for up to 10 percent of the cost without having to reopen bidding. 

The construction expenses combined with financing rates and other costs bring the project total to $33.9 million.

Construction is set to begin later this month.