Edinboro University of Pennsylvania has announced a $115 million student housing and dining project, the largest in the school's history and the first new residence halls on campus in three decades.

The housing project will provide 1,598 beds in suite units in eight buildings. The first suites will be ready for occupancy in 2009, with the project completed by 2011.

The new buildings, to be located along the easternmost boundary of the campus, will use energy-saving geothermal technology.

"Today's sophisticated students expect more than the cramped room, dormitory-style housing that became the model of the last century," said Edinboro President Jeremy D. Brown in a news release. "Today's students want housing conducive to their new academic setting that provides similar comforts they enjoyed in their homes."

The project will be funded by project revenue bonds, which will be paid by student housing rents, which have not yet been determined.

The new buildings will replace Shafer Hall, Scranton Hall and Lawrence Towers, which will be torn down.