A residence hall at SIU Carbondale won't house students next year - the first step towards demolition and progress towards a new housing area on the east side of campus.
SIU announced Thursday that Schneider Hall will be closed as of next fall - it's last opportunity to welcome guests will be for the solar eclipse on August 21, when the university will rent rooms to visitors for the event.
With a capacity of more than 700 students, Schneider is just over half-full with 385 residents this year.
University leaders say of those, 81 students have a contract to live on campus next year - and they'll be offered rooms in other buildings.
SIU Trustees earlier this year approved a public-private partnership to build one or two new residence halls on the east side of campus, and plans call for the demolition of at least one of "The Towers" to make that happen.
Housing officials say a decline in enrollment makes it easier to house students in other areas, and they're looking forward to having new options for students in the next couple of years.