On August 12 UIS graduate students will be able to move in to The Villas, which is an apartment complex being constructed in downtown Springfield.

The Villas, developed by Bluffstone LLC, is located at 300 East Madison Street and offers views of the Illinois Capitol Building from some of the apartments.

According to Bluffstone’s Director of Operations Brian Gustafson, the complex has 72 apartments that will house 91 students.

Although not governed by UIS Residence Life, Bluffstone is specifically marketing itself for UIS graduate students.

“Though not a UIS project, this new living option will help revitalize downtown Springfield at the same time it provides an appealing housing option for our students,” said UIS Chancellor Susan Koch in an e-mail summarizing 2015-2016 achievements for UIS.

The apartment complex will include all-inclusive Wi-Fi, utilities, on-site parking, and group study spaces.

Additionally, Gustafson said The Villas will be a controlled access community, which means doors will remain locked at all times in order to ensure security.

The Villas include studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments, which cost $750, $950, and $1,300 a month, respectively. A $400 security deposit is also required.

Gustafson said lease terms are flexible and can be set up on both a nine month and 12 month basis.

According to Gustafson, The Villas is currently in the process of securing a business to occupy commercial space within the apartment complex. Gustafson said the possible business could include a coffee shop, workout facility, or a restaurant. However, so far nothing has been finalized.

The complex will also host several on-site UIS office spaces. Specifics on who will utilize the office spaces has yet to be released.

In addition to UIS graduate students, nursing students affiliated with Memorial Hospital and St. Johns Hospital, as well as SIU medical school students, are eligible to apply to live at The Villas.

If interested, individuals can begin their housing application at www.villasdowntown.com.