The Gates at Wesleyan will be available next fall. (Photo Courtesy Illinois Wesleyan University)

By Paul Morello

BLOOMINGTON - Illinois Wesleyan University students that want apartment style living with the amenities of on-campus housing will have a new option next fall.

Currently under construction, The Gates at Wesleyan will have 24 four-bedroom apartments. The building will be located just east of campus on Empire Street.

Karla Carney-Hall, Illinois Wesleyan Dean of Students, said 81 early applications have already been submitted for the apartments.

"I think it just speaks to student interest in that style of housing, and being very interested in a modern, high-quality, furnished campus-supported housing unit," she said.

The Gates' apartments will be 1,400 sq. feet, with an HDTV, two full bathrooms, full kitchen and individual bedrooms. The building will also have a covered patio with a built-in charcoal grill.

Open leasing begins Oct. 2. Applications will be available for current juniors interested in a one-year lease, and current sophomores looking for a two-year lease. Apartment leases are also available for current sophomores who plan to live in on campus their junior year, and live in The Gates their senior year.

A lease costs $3,850 per semester, which includes all furnishings, utilities, in unit washer/dryer, Internet, and cable television fees.

Carney-Hall said The Gates was originally discussed in 2008, but was put on hold because of the recession.

"Frankly, it will be one of our more expensive housing options, so we wanted to make sure all the factors lined up to make sure it could be successful," she said.

Carney-Hall said the project cost $6 million.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul.morello@cumulus.com.